Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis may likely put more pressure on the US to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, which would help to grow be a boon to the CBD market—thus allowing direct selling companies to sell cannabis products for both medical and recreational purposes.
At the stroke of midnight, Canada became the second country in the world after Uruguay, and the first G7 nation, to legalize recreational cannabis. Hundreds of people in Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost Canadian province, lined up to be among the first to enter the new marijuana dispensaries.
Medical marijuana as been legal in Canada since 2001. The new legislation, known as the Cannabis Act, stems from a campaign pledge of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to keep marijuana away from underage users and curb marijuana-related crime.
Although the historic day enables Canadians to legally purchase cannabis, the supply of recreational marijuana is limited. Officials in Nova Scotia and Manitoba said they won’t have a large selection. British Columbia, one of the provinces with the highest rates of cannabis use, will only have one legal store open on Wednesday. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, will only begin opening retail stores next spring, though residents will be able to order cannabis online.
What Is the Law?
If you are traveling to Canada, you should be aware of the new law.
- Adults of at least 18 years old will be allowed to carry and share up to 30 grams of legal marijuana in public.
- They will also be allowed to cultivate up to four plants in their households and make products such as edibles for personal use.
- Whether you are entering or leaving Canada, it is illegal to have marijuana with you, and you could face criminal charges. You cannot travel across international borders with cannabis, even if it you are going to Colorado or any of the other eight US states where it has been legalized.
Nine states in the United States and the District of Columbia now allow recreational marijuana use. Medical marijuana is legal in some form in 30 states.
