Canada is set to become the first major economy to legalize recreational marijuana use. The Senate passed legislation on Tuesday and now the bill, which was already approved by the country’s House of Commons, will go to the governor-general, the representative of Queen Elizabeth, as a formality. Once it is approved, the legislation is expected to create a multibillion dollar industry, and Canada will join Uruguay in allowing its citizens to use marijuana on a national level without fear of arrest.
“We’ve just witnessed a historic vote for Canada, the end of 90 years of prohibition,” said Tony Dean, the senator who sponsored the bill in the chamber, according to the New York Times.
Some people are still concerned about the social and health effects of marijuana, but Dean said that the bill will allow them to tackle these harms by being proactive in public education.
#C45 has passed the Senate – this is an historic milestone for progressive policy in Canada as we shift our approach to cannabis. This legislation will help protect our youth from the risks of cannabis while keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/guaWrS1kHG
— Jody Wilson-Raybould (@Puglaas) June 19, 2018
It is not known exactly how Canada’s system will operate but the broad plan is for a tightly controlled system. There will be strict limits on advertising marijuana and it will likely be sold in packaging that carries health warnings. For now, candies, baked goods and other edible products containing marijuana will continue to be banned.
Thanks for reading InsideHook. Sign up for our daily newsletter and be in the know.
