Canada is poised to legalize marijuana sooner than later. The new Liberal Government campaigned on marijuana legalization, and it’s a promise that I think they will keep. Proof of that came on Friday during a speech to Canada’s Parliament, during which Canada’s Governor General David Johnston reiterated the current administration’s desire to legalize recreational marijuana in Canada. Per The Guardian:
Canada’s new Liberal government has repeated its pledge to legalize marijuana in a speech outlining its agenda as parliament resumes after the 19 October election.
A speech delivered by governor general David Johnston reiterated new prime minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana. It is a position Trudeau has held since becoming leader of the Liberal party in 2013. However, for the first time, the government said it will restrict access to marijuana but did not elaborate.
Trudeau has said that legalizing marijuana would fix a “failed system” and help remove the “criminal element” linked to the drug. He also has said Canadians would benefit from analyzing the experiences of Colorado and Washington state, which recently legalized pot.
Canada, like any other country, would benefit greatly from legalizing recreational marijuana on the federal level. It would hurt organized crime, it would save limited law enforcement dollars and redirect them towards fighting real crime, it would generate jobs and tax revenue, and it would prevent people from having their lives ruined for being caught with a plant that is 114 times safer than alcohol. Why isn’t every country doing this?
