OTTAWA – The bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Canada is up for a crucial vote at the last step in the legislative process this week, with uncertainty looming over what the final wording of the law will be.
Senators are set to vote on Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, at a third reading in the Senate on Thursday, after studying it for six months. For those planning to follow the vote that day, rest up as it’s possible the vote could not happen until midnight. It could also be much earlier, but entirely depends on how many senators want to speak to the bill that day. Midnight would be the latest possible, as all sides agreed to vote on the bill by June 7 at the latest.
RELATED: Canadian Cannabis News
The legislation-–an electoral promise of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party-–would allow adults in Canada to legally possess and use small amounts of recreational marijuana. It sets out parameters around the production, possession, safety standards, distribution and sale of marijuana. It also creates new Criminal Code offenses for selling marijuana to minors. The proposed federal law spells out that it will be illegal for anyone younger than 18 to buy cannabis, but allows for provinces and territories to set a higher minimum age.
Bill C-45 was introduced alongside Bill C-46 which specifically deals with drug-impaired driving. It is still before the Senate and is facing its own winding legislative journey.
Top Image: © Natalia Pushchina | Adobe Stock
