Canada: House of Commons votes to legalize cannabis

The process of legalizing cannabis in Canada continues: after the Senate voted for the first time on the Cannabis Act 10 days ago, The House of Commons voted in favor of the bill by 205 votes to 82.

The bill must pass through the Senate again, then receive the royal seal before becoming law, by next September.

The legalizing cannabis in Canada was a campaign promise by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It was originally scheduled to come into effect on July 1. Cannabis has been banned in Canada since 1923, and was legalized for medical use in 2001.

Despite some setbacks, Trudeau insisted on the need to legalize cannabis with the next elections in 2019. The project was originally scheduled to come into force on July 1.

Last week, the government rejected 13 of the 46 amendments to the bill, including allowing self-cultivation of cannabis and not further restricting advertising opportunities for future cannabis brands.

«Canadians can make beer or wine at home,» said Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor. «It's already possible for Canadians to grow cannabis for medical use and we strongly believe that legislation should be consistent when it comes to recreational cannabis.»

Once the law is passed, Canadians of legal age (18 or 19, depending on the province) will be able to legally purchase and consume cannabis. Public possession will be limited to 30 grams.

The latest forecasts estimate that the cannabis industry will is expected to generate $7 billion starting next year.