During 2017 and at the beginning of 2018, the Government of Canada was seriously discussing the concept of authorizing marijuana state-wide. Finally, on October 17th, 2018, they made it constitutional, controlled, and they also limited access to it. But, you might now be wondering – what are the reasons behind them approving its consumption?
Well, if you are looking for an answer to this question, this article might be able to help you quite a lot. The text below is going to feature what the legislation implies, as well as the four reasons why they made a decision to authorize marijuana in the first place. Let’s take a closer look at what the legislation implies:
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What Does The Legislation Say?
There are several laws and rules marijuana consumers need to follow under the federal legislation imposed by the Government of Canada, including:
- If produced by a licensed manufacturer, adults can purchase and possess no more than 30 grams of cannabis,
- People over the age of 18 can plant and grow 4 plants per residence,
- Individuals younger than 18 cannot purchase marijuana,
- Licensed and approved cultivating is managed by the officials, as well as the trafficking and distribution,
- They implemented new regulations for drug-impaired driving.
Although the entire process was and is a national arrangement, you should know that all the regions are liable for at least some sections of the bill. For instance, they are in charge of impaired driving, public health, instructions on cannabis, taxation, as well as distribution, purchases, and retail laws and locations.
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So, Why Did They Authorize it?
There is a wide range of reasons why Canada decided to make marijuana lawful marijuana in the state, however, according to the experts from Velacommunity, there are actually four, most important ones that are definitely worth mentioning in this article, and the reasons are:
1. Keeping it Away From Teenagers And Children
One of the first and most important reasons for legalization is the objective of lowering the chances of consumption by teenagers and children. This is also the reason why they implemented a law that cannot be purchased or cultivated by individuals that are not at least 18-years old.
Of course, there is no denying that individuals that are under 18 will still consume it, however, it will deter some of them from purchasing it illegally, which means that they can remain protected from health hazards that are most commonly connected to young individuals consuming marijuana.
Various state officials mentioned that they will have zero tolerance to minors possessing cannabis and they utilize different sanctions and fines if they catch anyone under 18 possessing 5 grams or less. If the minor has more than the imposed limit, it will be considered a criminal offense.
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2. It’ll Protect The Public
Although there are some risks of consuming marijuana, there are more dangers to using it if it was grown by unlicensed cultivators. These risks include some consequences that are short lasted, like that it can affect your memory, focus, as well as motor functions, which is why there is a part of drug-impaired driving in the legislation.
Additionally, there are other negative aspects that are connected to hemp consumption, including brutality connected to the criminal market, dangerous and unstable products that were grown by illegal cultivators, as well as susceptibility to other, harmful products.
This is why the state implemented various rules including overseeing the distribution and production of marijuana, limiting the consumption in communal areas, operating with the industry to create consciousness, as well as ensuring that the products traded are not threatening or harmful.
3. Encouraging Safer Roads, Work Environments, And Public Areas
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No matter if someone chooses to consume alcohol or marijuana, being impaired is, after all, an impairment. Although Canadians are worried about the legalization when it comes to being impaired while driving, working, or in the public, there is a system that will deal with such things.
Hence, they decided to ban driving or utilizing cannabis in all transportation means, the government is closely working with the public transportation department, police, and the justice system to constantly examine the policy and make modifications if needed, and they are also developing promo materials that will raise awareness of driving under the influence.
4. Restraining Unauthorized Sales
Last on the list of reasons, but not least important is their goal of reducing the illegal sale and market for marijuana products. Of course, it is extremely complex and difficult to eradicate the illegal market entirely, however, the decision Canadians make when it comes to where they’ll buy their products can actually help with reducing criminal activity.
There is a big opportunity for taking care of the unauthorized sales of hemp, as well as degrading its presence in the environment. Some of the approaches that the government took include creating a system where they’ll monitor the items entering the provinces, providing a way for adults to purchase it legally, as well as the opportunity to grow their own plants at home.
What does this mean? Well, it will definitely reduce the need for individuals in rural locations to obtain marijuana from the illegal business since they do not have a legal establishment near their homes. Additionally, this can also promote and educate people about the dangers of purchasing from illegal suppliers.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there is a wide range of reasons why Canada decided to make cannabis legal in their country. Not only is their goal to children and teenagers, but, they are also keeping the public health safety and they are promoting safe driving, public spaces, as well as workplaces. All of this will surely create a healthier environment, as well as one where cannabis is legal, but where the government closely monitors all the activities connected to it.
So, now that you know why Canada made marijuana legal state-wide, you might not want to lose any more time, especially if you are planning on visiting Canada. Instead, you might want to do a bit more digging and see what you can and cannot do – which is quite important if you are thinking about purchasing and consuming hemp while there.
