Legalization of Cannabis in Canada: What’s the Current Status?
In October 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize cannabis for recreational use. This groundbreaking event paved the way for a new industry for the production and sale of cannabis.
Since then, the conversation about cannabis legalization has continued to evolve. This blog post provides an overview of the impacts of the current laws. It will also provide insight into what the future of cannabis may look like in Canada.
Overview of the 2018 Decision
The legal status of cannabis has been a hotly debated topic. Canada is a pioneer in the cannabis industry, from acceptance of cannabis use to research into its medical benefits.
The regulations that govern the cannabis industry in Canada were put in place to ensure safe and responsible practices across the board. The following are the regulations and laws that apply to the cannabis industry in Canada:
- Safety of Products – Products sold in Canada must meet certain safety standards, including testing for contaminants such as heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides.
- Packaging and Labeling – Packaging and labeling laws require that all cannabis products have a standardized image, color, and symbol.
- Minimum Age for Sale and Use – The legal age for purchase and use is 18, although provinces can increase this age.
- Home Cultivation – Adults are permitted to grow up to four plants per household.
- Border Security – Border guards are permitted to confiscate cannabis from individuals if they believe these individuals have exceeded their home cultivation limit.
- Driving Under the Influence – The use of cannabis is prohibited while driving, with the same penalties for alcohol-impaired driving.
- Where Legal – Individuals are permitted to consume cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking is allowed.
- Criminal Penalties – The laws and penalties surrounding the use, sale, and cultivation of cannabis are similar to those that currently exist for the illegal possession and sale of other drugs.
Economic Impact of Legalization of Cannabis in Canada
The legalization of cannabis has led to a surge in business activity, with many companies entering the market. This has led to a large increase in financial activity and investment in the cannabis industry.
The majority of this investment has been in the cultivation sector, as it is the biggest area of the cannabis industry in Canada. The investment has also flowed into the retail and services sectors.
As a result, there has been an increase in cannabis stores and online retailers, such as Kubo Cannabis.
The services sector has seen a rise in cultivation technology, research and development, accounting, and legal services.
Overall, the legalization of cannabis has had a significant economic impact on Canada, primarily in the areas of job creation, investment, and increased tax revenue.
Social Implications
While the legalization of cannabis has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked considerable controversy.
There are some health concerns related to cannabis use, particularly the risk of mental health issues in individuals who begin using it at a young age.
There are also some safety concerns surrounding illegal cannabis cultivation, such that this activity is often linked to other criminal activities.
The Future of Cannabis in Canada
The legalization of cannabis has brought about significant change in Canada. There has been a significant increase in cannabis usage and the number of businesses operating in the industry.
The future of cannabis in Canada is likely to see further growth and investment. The Canadian government is expected to continue to invest in research and development of cannabis-based products, including edibles.
