Canada Will Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use

Canada will legalize the recreational use of marijuana next year, according to Canada's Governor General, David Johnston, who made the announcement on Friday.

The speech delivered by the governor general highlighted the 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 have legalized pot.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised the move during the recent election campaign, after two previous administrations had failed to follow through on a similar pledge.