Maximum Yield Cannabis USA December 2017 / January 2018 | Page 74

consultant's corner
Canada Looks to
Legalize Adult-use
Recreational
Marijuana
by Medicine Man Technologies
Go, Canada! Though there are still a few hurdles to overcome,
Canada looks to be on track to legalize adult-use recreational
marijuana by July 1, 2018. Medicine Man explains how the
legislation might look and what can hold it back.
A
t Medicine Man Technologies, we’re keeping a
close eye on our northern neighbors as Canada
looks to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana by
July 2018. In April of this year, a plan was announced
by the Canadian government and Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau. If passed, the law would make Canada
the second nation in the world to make such a move.
Uruguay was the first.
The plan includes developing a system for Canada’s
federal government to regulate marijuana cultivation,
distribution, and sales, as well as manage licensing,
taxes, and all associated fees. Provinces would then
have the ability to pass further laws regarding sales
and distribution, as well as increase the minimum
legal age of 18.
In addition to retail purchasing, adults would be
able to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana and
grow up to four plants per household.
Like many legal, adult-use recreational marijuana
laws here in the States, Canada would prohibit driving
while impaired and implement strict laws regarding
taking marijuana over its borders.
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grow. heal. learn. enjoy.
On his website, Prime Minister Trudeau states, “Canada’s
current system of marijuana prohibition does not work.
It does not prevent young people from using marijuana
and too many Canadians end up with criminal records for
possessing small amounts of the drug.”
Three Major Hurdles
While the bill is yet to receive Parliament’s official approval
and may face some changes before becoming law, its
outlook is good. Canada’s House of Commons is controlled
by a Liberal majority, and an even more liberal faction, the
New Democratic Party, is also on board with legalization.
As for Conservatives, they are currently a small minority
and don’t pose any substantial threat to the bill.
One wild card is Canada’s Senate, which typically
does not veto or delay legislation passed by the House.
However, it has recently begun to assert more authority,
so interference should not be completely ruled out. Beyond
adult-use recreational marijuana passing Parliament, there
are three major hurdles that will also need to be addressed.
Let’s take a closer look at those.
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