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The Canadian Senate voted to legalize marijuana, whether for fun or for drugs. The policy puts Canada into the first group of seven countries to allow the use of marijuana as a medicine.
Although there is no exact date when marijuana will be available for sale, one of the obstacles encountered over the legalization is that a number of Conservative senators opposed the bill.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said earlier this year the marijuana would only be sold a few months after being legalized. "Because the new retail system needs time to start working properly," he told Reuters.
Amendments proposed by the senate include strict limits on advertising on marijuana and advise provinces on whether Canadians can grow marijuana at home. Government regulations will allow Canadians to grow marijuana or cannabis up to four plants at home for personal use.
Although legalization has been delayed from a planned launch in July by the government, some provinces and police say they need time. Provinces are left liable to determine how and where marijuana will be sold.
The Liberals who legalized the use of marijuana for recreation and medicine were part of a successful 2015 election campaign. The liberals say the new law will keep marijuana out of the hands of underage users and reduce related crimes.
Canadian cannabis companies such as Canopy Growth Corp., Aphria Inc., Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences ETF, and Aurora Cannabis Inc. have become the center of investors. They also seek to legalize marijuana for the purpose of community's enjoyment.