The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
Yesterday, Canada officially legalized the use of recreational marijuana. The Senate voted 52-29 in favour of a revised bill which will pave the way for a fully legal cannabis market within eight to 12 weeks.
The country is the first in the G7 to legalize marijuana’s recreational use. Estimates from Canada’s bureau of statistics show that Canadians spent about $4.5 billion on cannabis in 2015, almost as much as was spent on wine.
The Prime Minister’s Liberals made legalizing recreational use of marijuana, part of their 2015 election campaign, stating the new law would keep marijuana out of the hands of underage users and reduce related crime.
“It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that.”
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. #PromiseKept
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 20, 2018
While production of cannabis will be regulated by the federal government, provinces and cities will have more control over retail sales through private or government-owned stores.
