This week, news broke out that our neighbors up north are in process of making a major leap for legalization. CBC News reported that Canada’s Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is expected to propose legislation in early April that will, if adopted, lead to the full adult-use legalization of cannabis by July 1, 2018.
CBC News has learned that the legislation will be announced during the week of April 10 and will broadly follow the recommendation of a federally appointed task force that was chaired by former liberal Justice Minister Anne McLellan as reported.
Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief who has been stickhandling the cannabis file for the government, briefed the Liberal caucus on the roll-out plan and the legislation during caucus meetings this weekend, according to a senior government official who spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity.
Provinces to control sales
The federal government will be in charge of making sure the country’s cannabis supply is safe and secure and Ottawa will license producers.
But the provinces will have the right to decide how the cannabis is distributed and sold. Provincial governments will also have the right to set price.
While Ottawa will set a minimum age of 18 to buy marijuana, the provinces will have the option of setting a higher age limit if they wish.
4 Plants per Household
As for Canadians who want to grow their own marijuana, they will be limited to four plants per household.
Legalizing marijuana was one of the more controversial promises Justin Trudeau made as he campaigned to become prime minister.
But in their platform the Liberals said it was necessary to “legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana” in order to keep drugs “out of the hands of children, and the profits out of the hands of criminals.”
The Liberals had promised to introduce legislation by the Spring of 2017. Announcing the legislation the week of April 10 will allow the party to hit that deadline.
Trudeau’s promise to legalize cannabis was seen as one of the reasons for the Liberals’ strong showing among youth voters in the 2015 election.
