Canada to legalize cannabis October 17

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Europe

Canada will become the first G7 country to legalize the consumption and cultivation of cannabis from October 17, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday.

Both houses of parliament voted this week to legalize the drug for recreational use, making Canada the second country worldwide to do so after Uruguay's move five years ago.

"We are committed to improving our system to better protect our youth and to take money away from organized crime," Trudeau told a question session at the House of Commons.

Smoke rises during the annual marijuana rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, April 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

He justified the delay to implement the law by noting that provinces requested the extra time to organize sales in authorized stores.

"We are accepting the request of the provinces, and we will be legalizing it as of October 17th, 2018," Trudeau said.

Cannabis has been banned since 1923 in Canada, which legalized its therapeutic uses in 2001. Under the new legislation, adults -- either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory -- can legally buy, grow and consume cannabis in limited amounts.

April 20, 2016: A woman waves a flag with a marijuana leaf on it next to a group gathered to celebrate National Marijuana Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. /VCG Photo

Each Canadian household will be allowed to grow up to four plants at home, and one person may carry up to 30 grams (one ounce) of the drug in public.

Just prior to the announcement, the country's leading cannabis producers reported a surge in stocks -- with market leader Canopy Grown jumping 1.7 percent to Can$43.27 ($32.51 US) -- following the Senate vote to legalize the soft drug.

Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said she was "so proud" of the move.

December 5, 2016: A medicinal marijuana bud is viewed inside the flowering room at Tweed in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada. /VCG Photo

"This historic legislation will end prohibition and replace it with a sensible, responsible and equitable cannabis policy," she tweeted.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale warned that driving while under the influence of cannabis or other drugs -- or taking cannabis into or out of Canada -- will remain illegal.

"Drug-impaired driving is extremely dangerous and can ruin your life in a heartbeat -- don't drive high," he added.

Trudeau, who in 2013 said he had smoked a joint with friends "five or six times," justified legalization on the grounds that it would take traffickers out of the equation and protect young people.

Trudeau said last month the world was closely following Canada's plans and predicted several nations would follow suit.

(Cover: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks to a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 20, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP