As we reported last month, there has been some question as to when Canada will finally legalize weed. Initially, Justin Trudeau predicted that weed would be available by the start of summer of 2018. However, as of yesterday, Canada is all set to legalize marijuana by the end of the summer.
An Updated Timeline For Legalization
In an interview with Canadian news program The West Block, parliamentary secretary for the minister of public safety Mark Holland reported that Canadians will be able to buy weed by the end of September.
The liberal party currently controls the executive branch of the Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau. Opposition to cannabis legalization largely comes from the more conservative Senate.
Holland explains, “We’re working closely with the Senate and we feel confident, at this time, in that timeline of end of summer that we’re going to see a regime that will control and legalize cannabis.”
Canadians have been discussing marijuana legalization since the liberal party ran on a legalization platform. The Canadian House of Commons voted on bill C-45, which legislates the sale, cultivation and use of marijuana, last November. The bill passed 200 to 82.
The Senate passed bill C-45 in a Second Reading vote last week. Next, government officials will investigate this marijuana legislation at a Senate committee.
The deadline for getting marijuana legislation through the Senate is June 7.
The federal government wants to give provincial authorities time to create their own cannabis infrastructure. This means preparing local police and deciding on marijuana sale and smoking restrictions.
Why The Delay?
Canada is all set to legalize marijuana by the end of the summer. This is a