Canada legalized marijuana
According to the Associated Press, 52 senators voted in favor of the corresponding law, with 29 against. In Canada's easternmost province of Newfoundland, stores selling marijuana opened exactly at midnight on October 17, when the law came into effect.
Critics of the new law believe that police are not prepared for situations that may directly result from the legalization of the drug. For example, measures to combat driving under the influence of drugs have not been developed.
Supporters say the new situation will help tackle the black market. Canada was already a country with the highest level of marijuana consumption, especially among young people. As BBC notes, in 2017 Canadians spent 5.7 billion Canadian dollars ($4.6 billion) on the drug, and only a small fraction of the total was purchased for medicinal purposes.
What is the situation in other countries?
In many US states, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, cannabis consumption for medical purposes is legal. Uruguay fully legalized the drug for personal use back in 2013. Uruguayans are allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home. In Spain, it is also possible to grow a limited number of cannabis plants for personal use, but the drug may only be used on private property.
Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands, but possession of up to 5 grams of weed is not prosecuted. However, police have the right to confiscate the drug. In the Netherlands, it can only be consumed freely in special coffee shops.
Recreational use is also permitted in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Luxembourg, and Jamaica. However, the official sale of cannabis is prohibited in these countries.