Canada legalises recreational use of marijuana nationwide

Canada has passed a landmark law that legalises the recreational use of marijuana nationwide.

The Cannabis Act passed its final hurdle in a 52‑29 vote in the Senate.

The bill controls and regulates how the drug can be grown, distributed and sold.

Canadians will be able to buy and consume the drug legally as early as this September.

Cannabis possession first became a crime in Canada in 1923 but medical use has been legal since 2001.

It is expected to give the provinces and territories, as well as municipalities, eight to 12 weeks to set up the new marijuana marketplace.

This timeframe will also allows industry and police forces to prepare for the new legal framework.

[Source:BBC News]