Canada eyes marijuana legalization as it manages U.S. relationship

OTTAWA – Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says the Liberal government is determined to bring forward legislation to legalize and regulate the recreational use of pot this spring, despite the fact it is working overtime to manage many unknowns associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Wilson-Raybould says Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale is talking with U.S. counterparts about any potential impacts of the government’s plans.

There are concerns introducing marijuana legislation in Canada could create problems with the U.S.

Wilson-Raybould says the Liberal government is seriously considering a report presented by a special task force late last year.

Among more than 80 recommendations, the panel suggested Canadians 18 and older should be allowed to buy recreational cannabis through storefront and mail-order sales.

The world is watching Canada as it moves to greenlight recreational pot because no other major western country, with the exception of Uruguay, has fully legalized the drug.