Going Green: Marijuana to be Legalized in Canada by 2018

According to an exclusive report by CBC News, the Liberal government plans on legalizing marijuana by July 1, 2018. Legislation regarding the matter will be introduced the week of April 10.

Former Toronto police chief, Bill Blair – the person responsible for handling the government’s marijuana file– discussed the rollout plan this past weekend with the Liberal caucus.

Legalization, of course, won’t come without a series of important rules and regulations for those interested in, ahem, going green. For instance, the federal government will monitor Canada’s marijuana supply to ensure that it is safe for consumers. What’s more, marijuana producers will need to secure a license through Ottawa.

Justin Trudeau

Each province will be able to determine how marijuana is distributed and sold in its region. What’s more, provinces will also have the ability to set pricing parameters.

Canadians who want to grow their own marijuana will be allowed to do so, but at a four plant per household limit.

The legal age to purchase pot in Canada will be 18, but provinces will be able to up that number if so desired.

Earlier this month, marijuana advocates and Cannabis Culture franchise owners Marc and Jodie Emery were arrested at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Both are on bail, but face charges related to possession and trafficking. Additionally, many Cannabis Culture shops across Canada were raided.

Prince and Princess of Pot Arrested After theZoomer Appearance: Marc and Jodie Emery

Hours ahead of their arrests, Jodie Emery had participated in a taping of theZoomer, on the subject of marijuana legalization in Canada. This episode will premiere on Monday, April 3 at 10pm ET/7pm PT and air again on Friday, April 7 at 2pm & 11pm ET/11am & 8pm PT.

“Until we have a framework to control and regulate marijuana, the current laws apply,” commented Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, prior to said arrests and raids, on March 1.

Currently, this is the stance taken by Canada’s Department of Justice: “Cannabis (marijuana) remains a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, and, unless otherwise regulated for production and distribution for medical purposes, is subject to offences under that Act. Possessing and selling cannabis for non-medical purposes is still illegal everywhere in Canada.”

-Adam Grant

Here’s a preview of theZoomer’s marijuana legalization episode: