Canada Has Legalised Weed, Here's How That Is Going To Work

It is now legal to smoke weed in Canada. This means that Canada is now the second country, and by some distance the largest to legalize recreational marijuana use.

However - as is so often the case with stuff like this - it looks like actually working out what you will and won't be able to do is a bit more difficult than that. The changes to the laws are complex to say the least.

Ironically, it's probably a good idea to have a clear head for this. Let's have a look.

First off, why would they decide to legalise weed in the first place?

Putting aside the fact that there is very little evidence that it is harmful, or conducive to violent crime, it was also one of the main promises made by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he was running for office.

He said that by legalising it, black market profits from the sale of weed would be cut by about C$6bn. Big talk, if true.

It'll create jobs, too, according to supporters.

Also, because it can be sold legally now, it can be regulated and taxed properly. That means that some of the cash from the sale of pot will now be used by the government. More good news.

Interestingly enough, it could mean that there are now actually more laws surrounding cannabis. The sale, purchase, and growth of weed will be more complex as a result of the legalisation.

From today, you're a Canadian over the age of 18, you'll be able to buy up to 30 grams of weed per time legally. That's also how much you can have on you at any time in public. At home, you can have as much as you like.

That said, each of Canada's 3 territories and 10 provinces will be able to set their own rules around the federal guidelines.

That means that a lot of places have already upped the age to 19, which is the same as the drinking age in many places. That's not an original idea, as many of the US states in which weed is legal have done the same thing.

Whilst you can have as much weed as you like at home, there is actually a limit on how many plants you can have to grow your own weed. In Quebec and Manitoba, for example, it's out of bounds altogether, even though the law says you can have four federally.

Product-wise, there are more rules. If it's edibles you want - not yet. So far, you can only get dried flowers, capsules, seeds, and tinctures. That will change in about a year, however.

This might seem pretty dry and boring, but it presents a very real look at the way legalisation could work elsewhere. If Canada gets it right, there is a chance that others will follow suit.

If you get the rules wrong though, you could still find yourself in bother.Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Marijuana, Drugs, weed, Canada

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim