Canada will legalize marijuana in 2018
On July 1, 2018, Canadians will be able to legally smoke marijuana.
Justin Trudeau's Liberal government will begin the process the week of April 10 to lift the ban on cannabis. This would fulfill a campaign promise made by the Canadian government.
With this, Canada would become the largest developed country to end the prohibition of recreational cannabis use.
In the United States, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada have legalized marijuana, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. In South America, Uruguay is the only country that allows recreational marijuana use.
Canada's Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould, said in a statement that the government is committed to making this important change carefully, out of the reach of children and young people, and will also prevent criminals from taking advantage of it.
The legislation will allow adults to carry up to 30 grams of marijuana and possess up to four plants. More potent strains will be taxed more heavily than weaker varieties.
Rooms will also be created where cannabis can be smoked.
Public health experts recommend setting the minimum legal age for consumption at 21 years.
Young Canadians are the world's largest consumers of cannabis.
Fountain: The Vanguard