Recreational marijuana use will soon be legal in Canada after senators voted 52-29 on a federal government bill that paves the way for the sale, purchase, and use of pot, CBC reports. The bill regulates the growing, distribution, and sale of the drug, with legal weed expected to hit the market in the next two to three months.
Ontario Senator Tony Dean, who sponsored the bill, enthused over the result, suggesting the move has the power to transform Canadian society. “I’m feeling just great,” Dean said. “We’ve just witnessed a historic vote for Canada. The end of 90 years of prohibition. Transformative social policy, I think. A brave move on the part of the government.”
He continued, “Now we can start to tackle some of the harms of cannabis. We can start to be proactive in public education. We’ll see the end of criminalization and we can start addressing Canada’s $7 billion illegal market. These are good things for Canada.”
As for when the actual legalization date is implemented, that’s up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. According to CBC, the bill — Bill C-45 — comes with a provisional buffer period of eight to 12 weeks to give Canada’s provinces enough time to lay the groundwork before the sale of marijuana begins.
Do you think Canada made the right decision by legalizing weed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Now watch ‘High End,’ Highsnobiety’s documentary on luxury weed.
