Canada legalises recreational use of cannabis

The first country to legalise the recreational use of marijuana was Uruguay, where the law was passed in December 2013. Following Uruguay’s lines several other countries are also planning to do the same.

Image courtesy: AFP

New Delhi: Canada has become the second nation worldwide to legalise the recreational use of cannabis. This came into effect after an act was passed in the senate with a 52-29 vote. The law will be brought into action by September 2018. The citizens will be able to grow, buy and consume cannabis. The first country to legalise the recreational use of marijuana was Uruguay, where the law was passed in December 2013. Following Uruguay’s lines several other countries are also planning to do the same. Confirming the information, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau took to his Twitter account and said “It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana - and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate”. Though Cannabis has been legalized, but several laws have been put in place to check the misuse of the same. As per the rule, the consumption will be allowed in private dwellings only. Areas like Nunavut and Alberta will allow public consumption but not in the places where smoking is prohibited. The minimum age to consume cannabis has been set at 18 years whereas some territories have set at 19. Selling the drug to a minor can lead to 14 years of prison.  The maximum amount of cannabis one can possess is 30gms and only licensed producers can sell them.  A person cannot grow more than four plants in his household. Strict penalties have been put to ensure the rules are followed. Apart from the offline stores, the cannabis will be available through home delivery and licensed online stores.  The government has given time to the marketers to set their places. This time period will also be used for the new legal framework. Canadian Prime Minister promised the citizens in his 2015 campaign to legalise cannabis. Large number of people have come forward to support this decision.