The report was made first on the CBC’s flagship TV show, The National, adding that the legislation will be introduced the week of April 10. Another report said something different, saying the legislation would be introduced on April 20, or 4/20, apparently a significant day for pot users, according to The Star.
The roll out of the marijuana legislation will undoubtedly slow Trudeau’s opponents, especially the New Democrats, who have been hitting the prime minister hard for his apparent “broken campaign promise” that got him elected. However, announcing the legislation in April would fulfill the promise the Liberal government made on April 20, 2016, to do so this spring.
According to CBC News, the legislation will follow the recommendations of a federally appointed task force led by former liberal Justice Minister Anne McLellan. The 106-page report with its 80 recommendations was delivered in December 2016.
Specifics of the legislation
Specifically, the bill would have the federal government be responsible for keeping the country’s marijuana supply safe and secure, while Ottawa would be in charge of licensing producers. The national age limit for purchasing pot will be set at 18, although provinces will be able to set the age limit higher if they so desire.
Provincial governments will have the right to decide how the marijuana is distributed and sold, as well as setting the price. Canadians who grow their own marijuana will be able to have four plants per household. In December, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke with the Star’s editorial board.
Trudeau stressed then that until marijuana is legalized, it is illegal until the legislation passes. He also condemned the rise in storefront marijuana dispensaries, including the ones popping up in Toronto. “People are right now breaking the law,” Trudeau said. And it looks like the crackdown on marijuana dispensaries will continue until marijuana is finally legalized.
