Canada legalises use of cannabis

CANADA is to become the first western nation to fully legalise marijuana after legislation passed through the country’s senate.

The upper chamber voted to legalise the drug for recreational – not just medical – purposes. But it added several amendments which means it will pass again through the House of Commons before becoming law.

The move means Canadians will be able to carry 30g of cannabis for personal use and grow four plants at home, but will face penalties for selling or giving it to children or driving under the drug’s influence.

This law goes further than the Netherlands and Portugal, where cannabis has been decriminalised but can only be sold and used within strict conditions. Uruguay is the only other country in the world to have fully legalised the drug.