RantCrush Top 5: April 14, 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced a bill yesterday that would legalize recreational marijuana throughout the whole country. If the bill passes, Canada would become only the second country in the world with such legislation, joining Uruguay. This was one of Trudeau’s campaign promises, which he is now working to deliver. “Criminal prohibition has failed to protect our kids and our communities,” said lawmaker Bill Blair, a former police chief who is managing this legislation.

As laws like these are so new, Canada will face some challenges if it passes. For example, the country will need to find a way to test drivers for marijuana intoxication. Each province would also have to decide how to distribute and sell the drug. The bill is expected to pass Parliament, and if it does, it would likely go into effect by next summer.

Our goal: keep it out of the hands of youth, and profits out of the hands of criminals. /2 https://t.co/foHTdhY4Nn pic.twitter.com/5jNwaeNqPz

— Jane Philpott (@janephilpott) April 13, 2017

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.