It has been nearly three years since the entire country of Canada has legalized recreational cannabis across the country. The cannabis industry has collected a variety of benefits since then. The sector is expected to gross more than $250 billion by the end of the decade. Through the 2018 legislation, there are supplementary avenues that have yet to be fulfilled. Has Canada breached its promise to rebuild the things slaughtered by cannabis-related offenses?
Cannabis cultivation in Canada
The Cannabis Act of 2018 has also permitted adults to grow their cannabis for personal use. The statutes governing cannabis cultivation vary upon territory. Essentially, all adults 18 and older can legally grow up to four plants at a time in the privacy of their home. If the adult does not own the property, landlords can prevent cannabis cultivation on their properties. Those who are guilty of cultivating more than the maximum amount of plants listed are subject to a fine or eviction.
Evaluating the Cannabis Act of 2018
In October of 2018, Canada passed a law that effectively allowed the adult-use of cannabis in the entire country. The review is not something to be worried about; it is built into the bill that the Minister of Health must review the legislation at least once every three years. By law, the Cannabis Act must undergo its first review no later than October 17, 2021. The evaluation aims to provide recommendations on how the Canadian government ought to improve the country’s legislative and regulatory frameworks for the cannabis plant.
As mentioned earlier, the regulations that govern cannabis in Canada have supplementary statutes that have not been honored as of yet. The legislations’ call for decriminalization has naturally represented a notable drop in arrests associated with possession of cannabis. Numerous Sociologists have praised the bill for “taking away” some of the power associated with the racial injustices performed in the police force. However, those who have already been affected by cannabis-related offenses have yet to witness better days. A significant number of people still possess the blemish of cannabis-related convictions on their criminal records. Many of the individuals mentioned above are minorities (which only makes this a bigger problem.) Promptly, the 2018 legislation was worded to address this dilemma directly. As of 2021, these problems are still evident.
Cannabis laws in Canada
The rules that dictate the adult-use of cannabis in Canada vary upon territory. Essentially, these are the common cannabis laws in Canada:
- Adults must be 18 years or older to own or purchase cannabis in Canada. They must also be 18 years or older to be admitted into a authorized dispensary.
- Individuals are allowed to possess a maximum of 30 grams of cannabis buds in public at any given time.
- Individuals are allowed to consume cannabis in highly select public spaces in Canada. Although, different locales have the jurisdiction to create additional restrictions on the general intake of cannabis in Canada.
- Cannabis consumption is illegal in motor vehicles. Driving under the influence of bud is extremely prohibited, and penalties are the same as DUIs (Driving under the Influence.)
A review is underway
Notwithstanding the problems mentioned above, there is a flicker of hope. This is the first year that the 2018 pro-cannabis law will be evaluated. This is due to the law implementing a tri-annual review of the bill to ensure effectiveness. The Minister of Health and other administrative bodies will appraise the legislation no later than October of this year. As long as the objection for formal exoneration, racial injustices associated with cannabis in Canada can be controlled.