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Canada just legalized recreational pot. Here's what you need to know

Canada just legalized recreational pot. Here's what you need to know
Posted at 3:27 AM, Oct 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-17 06:27:33-04

People in Canada are cheering, enduring long lines and honking their car horns in support as the country's first marijuana dispensaries open their doors Wednesday.

"I'm having a plaque made with the date and time and everything. This is never actually going to be smoked. I'm going to keep it forever," said Ian Power, who was among the first to buy marijuana in St. John's, a city in the country's easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Like Power, hundreds are now legally buying recreational marijuana all over Canada but not without adjusting to a few rules.

As marijuana enthusiasts continue celebrating this historic day for Canada, here's a quick primer to get you up to speed.

Who can buy marijuana in Canada?

Adults of at least 18 years old will be allowed to carry and share up to 30 grams of legal marijuana in public, according to a bill that passed the Senate in June.


Where can I buy it?

The supply of recreational marijuana could be limited, at least early on, in some stores.




What about previous pot charges?

Authorities will soon announce plans to pardon Canadians who have been convicted with possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana, CNN partner CTV reported.

The production, distribution or sale of cannabis products will still be an offense for minors.

Why did they legalize it?





Where else is it legal?

Not in many places. Canada is only the second country in the world -- and the first G7 nation-- to allow a nationwide marijuana market. In December 2013, Uruguay was the first country to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana.

