On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, adults in Canada will be able to purchase legal marijuana, following approval of The Cannabis Act by the Canadian Parliament in June. In 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalize marijuana on a national scale.
Statement from Hannah Hetzer, Senior International Policy Manager for the Drug Policy Alliance:
“Canada’s move to legalize marijuana is a historic rebuke to the disastrous global war on drugs, which has ruined millions of lives. Many countries are searching for innovative approaches to drug policy that emphasize health and rights, rather than repression. By taking this bold and principled step, Canada will likely become an inspiration for many other countries.”
“The legalization of marijuana in Canada, and the likely changes we will see on drug policy in Mexico under its new government, make the United States federal government’s prohibition on marijuana even more untenable. It’s long past time for Congress and the Administration to take action on this issue.”
