It would seem the maple leaf has got some new competition with Canada having just become the first G7 country to ever legalize recreational marijuana. Bill C-45, having already passed through the House of Commons, was just approved by the Senate after spending the past six months reviewing it. With the bill being approved by both parties, it has received royal assent and will now become a part of Canadian law.
What this means is that weed will soon become available recreationally throughout all of Canada for anyone 18 years old and over. Don’t go rushing over the border quite yet though, as there will be about two to three more months before the bill is implemented and the sale of weed starts being permitted.
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Once it is through, the legalization is expected to provide a major boost to Canada’s economy, with Parlament’s budget office making an initial estimate that between $4.2 bn-$6 bn will be spent on weed in the first year alone. According to The Economist, this is only a little less than what Canada spent on beer last year, and having been to Canada myself, I can tell you is nothing short of incredible.
It seems Canada is taking some notes from Colorado in terms of regulation as well, with adults being able to carry a max of 30 grams, which is reminiscent of Colorado’s limit of an ounce. They also are coming down hard on anyone who doesn’t follow these regulations, and anyone caught having more than the allotted amount or using in a public space can be sentenced up to five years in prison.
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Driving under the influence is, of course, frowned upon as well, and anyone caught behind the wheel who then tests positive on a drug test will have to pay $1,000 in fines for their first offense, spend 30 days in prison for their second offense and 120 days in prison for any subsequent offenses. The laws are very similar to alcohol in the way they are structured, so just make sure you have transportation set up for the trip to Canada you are about to plan, and you should end up having a quality time!
