Canada to review impact of cannabis legalization
The first developed nation to legalize recreational marijuana in October 2018 also passed a law allowing citizens with criminal records for drug possession to be pardoned at no cost
Published on 10/04/2022
Sechat Editorial
Canada's Ministry of Health will conduct a review of cannabis legislation in the country to assess the impact on youth and Indigenous minorities, as well as the effects on the economy and the illegal marijuana market.
While a study on the law's safety is a priority, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos stated that the review will also address complaints from the Canadian cannabis industry regarding high taxes, sales limitations, and advertising restrictions. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the review, stating that its broad scope facilitates the growth of the legal cannabis sector.
“However, to effectively displace the illicit market and protect the health and public safety of all Canadians, authorities, businesses, the industry, and all levels of government need to work together consistently,” said the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's National Cannabis Task Force in a statement.
The review will assess the impact of the law on Canadian youth and progress towards the legislation's goal of providing adults with access to regulated, low-risk, and legal cannabis products, according to a government statement. It will also examine progress made in deterring criminal activities and displacing the illicit cannabis market.
