Canada cannabis legalization: When the legalization of recreational cannabis use was first proposed in Canada, parts of the nation said "Hell, no." For a long time, the North American country was divided.
But when Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government introduced the legalization in 2017, and it was made known that kids were easily getting cannabis, and criminals were reaping the profits, Canadians were persuaded to do something about it.
Canada Cannabis Legalization: How They Got Here
This is a massive moment in Canadian history. In fact, it ends 90 years of prohibition. And it makes Canada the first G-7 nation to legalize cannabis.
The legalization came after Bill C-45 was bounced between the House of Commons and the Senate a few times. On Monday, June 18th, the House sent the Cannabis Act back to the Senate, stating that while they agreed with some of the amendments, not all of them were acceptable. The question then was whether the Senate would give into the House, or stick to their guns, and fight for the rejected amendments. But the latter didn't happen.
Though some were worried when the Cannabis Act was bounced back, many believed that, at the end of the day, the bill would be passed. Numerous people said Bill C-45 was good as is. This includes Senator Peter Harder, who said Tuesday that he wanted his colleagues to accept the rejections.
And that's exactly what happened. After two days of debating, discussing, and modifying, the Senate passed Bill C-45 late Tuesday night. The vote was 52-29.
Inside the Cannabis Act
It's all fun and games reading about the Canada recreational cannabis legalization, but if you don't know what the Cannabis Act entails, then you're at risk of doing something illegal. For instance, now that Canada has legalized cannabis, that doesn't mean you can turn your basement into a massive grow house. What it does mean, however, is that Canadians are now legally allowed to grow up to 4 cannabis plants in their homes.
The law will also include the following:
- Adults (over 18) will be able to purchase and consume cannabis across Canada
- Individuals can have up to an ounce on them, and it is legal
- Edibles are not going to be legal just yet - that will happen in roughly a year
Now What, Eh?
Is cannabis legal yet in Canada? This is likely a question many will be asking now that the news has spread like wildfire. Short answer: no, cannabis isn't legal yet - so don't walk outside with an ounce on you today. Long answer: legalization was supposed to be implemented by July, but provinces need 8-12 weeks to prepare. Therefore, the Canadian government is expected to choose a date in September. Which means cannabis will be officially legal in the fall.
Canada Cannabis Legalization: The Takeaway
How do you feel about Canada legalizing cannabis? If you were a part of the Senate, would you have passed the Cannabis Act?
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