Recreational Marijuana Is Now Legal in Canada – Here Are Regulations and Limits You Need to Know

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Stunning news for Canadians as starting from October 17 recreational marijuana is now legal all over Canada.

Here’s what you need to know about it.

Source: Getty Images

Congrats, Canada!

Canada became the largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace as sales began early Wednesday in Newfoundland.

Although the move has been planned since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was elected in 2015, the country is struggling to get ready for the big day because while the federal cannabis act sets a broad skeleton, Canada’s 13 provinces and territories set their own rules — including where marijuana will be sold and where it can be consumed.

It is expected, legalizing cannabis will create an industry worth more than $4 billion in Canada.

“Prohibition has ended right now. We just made history,” said the 46-year-old Ian Power, who was among the first to buy legal recreational marijuana. “I can’t believe we did it. All the years of activism paid off. Cannabis is legal in Canada and everyone should come to Canada and enjoy our cannabis.”

Rules and limits

As always there are some limits set for carrying, sharing and cultivating weed.

As of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, adults will be allowed to carry and share up to 30 grams of legal marijuana in public, according to a bill that passed the Senate in June. They will also be allowed to cultivate up to four plants in their households and make products such as edibles for personal use.

Also you must be at least 18 years old, and the production, distribution or sale of cannabis products is an offense for minors.

The border with the United States also poses a risk to the casual marijuana smoker. Weed consumption is still a federal American crime, and Canadians who admit to smoking it or working in the marijuana industry can be turned away or even banned for life.

it is important to keep in mind that legalization is federal, it’s up to individual provinces and municipalities to distribute, regulate, and enforce new laws.

The full list of regulations in your province you may find here.

Source: Getty Images

Canada was the second country in the world – and the first G7 nation – to implement legislation permitting a nationwide marijuana market. In December 2013, Uruguay was the first county to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana.

In the US there are nine states and the District of Columbia that allow recreational marijuana use. Medical marijuana is legal in some form in 30 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.