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Beginning today, after the bill that was passed by the senate in June 2018, Cannabis is now legal in Canada. Recreational Marijuana has become legal as of today. While so many things about how the future of a Cannabis Canada remains hazy as many questions about what it means for different actors in this story, here are 10 things that are clear about the Cannabis Legalization in Canada and you should know them:
Who is Allowed to Purchase Marijuana? Only adults who are at least 18 years or older are currently allowed to buy Marijuana. The minimum age of persons allowed to buy Marijuana however varies by province but most provinces treat it just like alcohol rules. Selling or giving Marijuana to a minor is a criminal offence that could attract a sentence of 14 years in prison.
How Much Marijuana Can Users Have? Users will be only allowed to carry around 30 grams or less of Marijuana but they can they can have more at home. They are also allowed to cultivate Marijuana plants in their homes.
How Much Marijuana Can Be Grown at Home? This varies from province to province. Adults are allowed to grow Marijuana plants in their homes. Provinces like Manitoba and Quebec who opposed the decision banned growing of Cannabis in homes.
Where can Marijuana Be Purchased? For now, pot will be purchased through legal retail stores and government run online retail stores. Shopify is teaming up with the government to handle online sales of Marijuana in four provinces for a start. This product will not be sold in the same places as alcohol and tobacco. Prices have already been set for the product and it varies from province to province.
Who Produces the Weed? According to Health Canada, there are more than 120 licensed cannabis producers in Canada with majority of them in Ontario and B.C.
Can users travel with Marijuana? Travelers flying with Cannabis are able to travel with up to 30 grams of cannabis on local flights but will still not be allowed on international flights. This means travelers are prohibited from bringing Cannabis into Canada as well.
What are the Driving Rules? Just like alcohol and drugs, under a new legislation passed in June, the police can pull over drivers and conduct saliva test. Sanctions and fines that apply to alcohol and drugs will also apply to cannabis which includes facing up to 10 years in prison, fine of up to $1000 or both for users found with up to five nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter of blood.
What are the Health Effects? While new researches have been opened up to investigate further into the potential health risk and benefits of Marijuana, the government is running several campaigns to enlighten users on cannabis and health. Canada is slated to spend more than $100 million over the next six years on public education.
People Who Were Arrested for Pot Possession in the Past? Plans are underway to grant pardon to Canadians who were arrested for possessing over 30 grams or less of Marijuana.
Will Marijuana Be Advertised? Regardless of the Cannabis legalization in Canada, there are still strict rules on advertising Marijuana that barn companies from promoting Cannabis through celebrity endorsements and other ads accessible by minors.
What does this Mean for You and Canada? This is a bonus point. As stated earlier, there are several unanswered questions that only time might be able to best answer. If you are new to Canada, whether you support this move or not, now is a good time to read up all you can about the Cannabis legalization in Canada and know exactly how it might affect you.
There will be many pages that will unfold as this has never been done before. How this will affect several areas like your place of work, entertainment content, career opportunities, medicine, small businesses, religion, social gatherings and many more facets we probably can’t think of yet will be revealed with time. However, in all of this, your strongest weapon is knowledge. Got older kids? Don’t hide the information from them, tell them exactly all they need to know about Cannabis legalization in Canada.
Find out more on the Government of Canada website.
