Trudeau sets date for marijuana legalization in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said that marijuana will be legal across the country starting Oct. 17. 

“Today I’m also pleased to announce that the new recreational cannabis will officially come into force on Oct. 17 of this year,” Trudeau told reporters.

“We will soon have a new system in place, one that keeps cannabis out of the hands of our kids, and keeps profits away from organized crime,” he said. 

NEW: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that marijuana will be legal nationwide on October 17. “We will soon have a new system in place, one that keeps cannabis out of the hands of our kids, and keeps profits away from organized crime.” https://t.co/PuL9LzkZPe pic.twitter.com/sxpTOPuoX1

— ABC News (@ABC) June 20, 2018

The announcement comes a day after Canada’s Senate approved legalization in a 52-29 vote, making Canada the second country to legalize the substance.

Trudeau praised the vote in a tweet on Wednesday.

“It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate. #PromiseKept,” Trudeau said. 

It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate. #PromiseKept

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 20, 2018

While medical marijuana has been legal in Canada for almost 20 years, the bill would remove a 95-year-old ban on recreational use of the substance.

The legislation requires a waiting period of eight to 12 weeks to allow provinces in the country to prepare for legalization.

CNN reports that the Canadian recreational marijuana industry could be worth more than $4 billion.