Canada Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

Canadian legislators have put in motion laws that will legalize cannabis for the citizens 18 years old and up.

Beginning July 1, 2018, Canadians can possess marijuana for personal consumption and can grow up to four pot plants per household.

The federal government will license producers, according to reports. Distribution and pricing will be left to the management of provision governments, which can also raise the minimum age for purchasing, if they so choose.

The Liberal party behind the measure reportedly said it was necessary to “legalize, regulate and restrict access to marijuana” so that the government can keep cannabis “out of the hands of children, and the profits out of the hands of criminals.”

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had pushed heavily for legalization, using it as an issue to garner votes from younger citizens during his 2015 campaign for office.

The official announcement for the new law is planned for the week of April 10.