Once passed, the Liberal bills would make Canada the first member of the G7 to legalize marijuana for recreational use across the country. As well, citizens would be allowed to grow up to four plants per household at a maximum height of one metre from a legal seed or seedling.
As part of the bill, the Canadian government also pledged to figure out a system to discourage and prosecute those users who might drive or operate machinery under the influence of marijuana, meaning they have to create a Breathalyzer-style meter, as well as establish minimum blood levels for proper regulation before stores can begin to sell pot.
Voters in California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada voted previous year to approve the use of recreational marijuana, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.
The act would also prohibit packaging or labelling cannabis in a way that makes it appealing to youth; selling through self-service displays or vending machines, false, misleading or deceptive advertising, sponsorships, testimonials and endorsements that could entice young people.
"As a former police officer, I know first-hand how easy it is for our kids to buy cannabis", stated Bill Blair, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice.
Cannabis had already been legal in Canada for limited medical use since 2001.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau moved on April 13 to introduce a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana use and sales in all Canadian provinces.
First double execution in US
Shortly before the lethal injections were administered, Jones read out a lengthy statement in which he said: "I'm so sorry Lacey". In 1996, Jones was convicted and sentenced to death for the June 6, 1995, rape and murder of Mary Phillips.
The federal government set the age at 18, but is allowing each of Canada's provinces to determine if it should be higher.
Under the Cannabis Act, Canadians would be able to buy marijuana at legal retail outlets or receive them through a licensed producer in the mail. "We simply have to do better".
Growers on the cusp of Canada's nascent marijuana industry are bracing for Thursday's long-awaited Liberal legislation on legal pot, which sources say is expected to require the newly unshackled drug to be sold only in plain, brand-free packaging. In fact, Canada is the first developed country to fully legalize marijuana since the war on drugs started in the 1970s. Those looking to purchase pot will have to be at least 18 years of age and will only be allowed to carry about an ounce of marijuana at one time.
Despite having low levels of mind-altering THC, hemp has been lumped into the same category as marijuana in the United States, and is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Though eight US states have legalized marijuana to various extents, the drug remains illegal under federal law. "They don't at this time have an idea about how they're going to roll it out", he said.
"There is a strong evidence base showing that early and regular cannabis use can affect cognition, such as memory, attention, intelligence and the ability to process thoughts and experiences", said Renuka Prasad, president of the association, who also noted that cannabis use can increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and psychotic disorders in vulnerable young people.
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