Canada Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
On Wednesday, October 17th, 2018, Canada became the second (after Uruguay) and largest country to legalize recreational marijuana. This ends a ban put in place nearly a century ago with the Narcotics Drug Act Amendment Bill in 1923.
With the passing of the Cannabis Act, Canadian citizens over 18 or 19 years of age (depending on province) can purchase a limited amount of fresh cannabis, dried cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabis seeds, or cannabis plants from authorized retailers. They can also possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent non-dried), consume in locally authorized locations, grow up to four plants per household for personal use and share up to 30 grams with other adults.
Canadians will be able to create home-made cannabis edibles at some point within the next year after federal regulations are developed and implemented.
According to the Canadian government, the new law does not allow cannabis in any form to cross Canadian international borders. This is still illegal.
The Toronto Police issued a news release that includes three images asking that Canadians not call about public marijuana usage now that the substance is legal.
Mr. Ian Power was the first Canadian to legally purchase marijuana, purchasing it immediately after midnight at a store in Newfoundland.
The Future of The Black Market
Rules regarding distribution vary from province to province. In provinces with stricter regulations, the black market may continue to fulfill a public demand. In provinces where legal distribution is easier, the black market will likely be replaced over time with law-abiding businesses.
About The Author:
Nathan A. Kreider is the founder of NAKhub Media and columnist at Being Libertarian. His articles have also appeared at the Foundation for Economic Education, The Lock Haven Express, and The Liberalists, as well as his own website, nkreider.com.
