Recreational Cannabis is Legal in Canada: things to know
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Today marked an interesting moment in Canadian history as Cannabis became legal for recreational use in the country.
Though there has been a lot of talk about the legalization of cannabis in the country for some time now there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the laws that surround its use.
The following is a list of a few of the things to consider regarding the recreational use of cannabis in Canada.
The rules for buying cannabis such as purchase age, location of sale and location of use tend to vary from province to province. However, most regions are treating it in much the same way as they are alcohol consumption.
Many provinces are only permitting online sales of cannabis from government run websites. In Ontario this rule will remain in effect until April 1, 2019 at which point businesses will be able to sell their products from shops and brick and mortar establishments. Interestingly, many illegal marijuana distribution sites that have been operating for the past few years in Ontario are actually being forced to close down until the April deadline.
Adults are allowed to grow up to four plants in their home. However, they are not permitted to sell what they grow to others. Individuals and companies need proper licensing to sell cannabis to the public.
Adults are allowed to carry 30 grams of cannabis while out in public or keep 100 grams in their homes.
Cannabis and related products are still illegal to bring across the border. This goes in both ways - from Canada to the United States as well as from the united States into Canada.
Though at this moment it is not easy for police to detect if a person has used or consumed cannabis, driving under its influence is still illegal, much like alcohol. However, blood samples can be taken to detect cannabis in individuals and I have heard that they are also currently developing mouth swab technology to detect cannabis related molecules in saliva. I personally do not know how far along they are in the process of developing such technology.
Many Canadian's currently incarcerated for minor marijuana possession charges will be pardoned.
Edibles remain illegal. It seems that government officials are still working out the rules and regulations regarding edible marijuana products. Though there is no official deadline for when these products will become legal, some sources speculate that it will be within the next year.
According to the government of Canada's Cannabis Act, companies are prohibited from marketing to youth. That includes tailoring products and packaging to youth or selling cannabis products in vending machines.
Crazy how different diff. countries are.
In Bali you can get the death penalty for cannabis! crazy, right?
The death penalty seems a bit harsh for cannabis :S
lol. Yes. That is very crazy.
I do get the sense that the world is slowly changing its perspective on Cannabis though. It is becoming more normalized it seems.
Edibles still being illegal is laughably strange, but it's still cool they're taking steps toward true legalization.
Yeah I'm not sure what the thought process is behind that - if its a control thing or if they are trying to create regulations to make it safe for the public, or just work out the kinks and nuances? I'm not sure at the moment. I know several growers are teaming up with alcohol companies to make cannabis beverages as well. I assume that will be considered an edible so we may not see them hit the market for some time. Thanks for the comment. If you're willing to vote for the article I would appreciate it ;) hahaha. I know some people wait for the 15 minute mark which is cool.
Sorry, I totally thought I did! :)
As long as they wouldn't throw people in jail for edibles, I suppose it's not that bad.
No worries :)
Yeah I'm not exactly sure how that works to be honest. The government of Canada website just states that edibles are not yet legal. I would hope that individuals who consume them would not be punished. I think its a process. The fact that it went through at all is a bit surprising given how many people are still against it. I now that many conservatives officials were against the bill. I guess we will see how everything goes in the weeks and months to come