Go, Canada! A look toward the end of marijuana prohibition.

What the U.S. and the world can learn from Canada’s marijuana task force recommendations.

Canada is on target to become the largest developed nation to introduce recreational marijuana at a Federal level in 2017. In a sweeping 106-page report, the Federal task force on marijuana outlined recommendations that offered innovative solutions and provided a realistic blueprint for marijuana legalization on a national scale.

The minimum age for access will be in line with the age limit for purchasing alcohol – age 18 in most areas of Canada, age 19 in others according to local law. The Department of Health initially argued for a higher legal age, but concerns were raised that the black market would continue to exist if the age limit was raised.

Medical access will remain intact via the country’s current setup, so patient rights will be protected. Recreational users will be allowed to order marijuana online via the current setup, but recreational prices will be higher and sales taxed at a higher rate.

Pricing and taxation will be designed to encourage consumption of less potent products in the recreational market. The Government can effectively “sin tax” what is seen in many U.S. states as a growing concern over the potency of concentrates being used by recreational users. The task force (rightly) suggested that potency limitations or bans on high THC-products would simply encourage sales on the black market.

All edible products will require a universal symbol/stamp identifying THC contents as a warning. Any familiarity to candy will be prohibited. Mixing of marijuana with alcohol or caffeinated products will be prohibited (goodbye, infused K-Cup). Edible products will require child-proof packaging, and a Federal standard on labeling.

Marijuana will not be sold in the same retail locations as alcohol or tobacco. The liquor control boards in Canada have been positioning to become the retail arm of marijuana, which may happen, but marijuana retail will need stand-alone locations.

Revenues will be allocated toward education – not just toward filling budget gaps to pay for schools, but toward a better understanding of marijuana usage and social education. Revenues will be allocated to address public health concerns and social issues (underage usage, drug prevention, and addiction treatment). Revenues will also be allocated toward research on the medical effects and benefits of marijuana.

Reduction of drugged/impaired driving is a stated goal, but Canada will not enforce unscientific ‘per se’ limits from breathalyzer tests to determine roadside impairment. The task force recommended funding technology research to create better tests.

Social usage will be allowed according to local ordinance – in line with Canada’s ban on indoor and public smoking. The recommendations suggest creating dedicated places for social smoking.

Law enforcement activities will be focused on eliminating illegal trade, not “social sharing” or the criminalization of youth.

The Federal government will work with Provincial governments to develop workforce usage and impairment policies.

The task force recognized this would be a learning process, and recommended creating a framework where the government, stakeholders, patients, and public concerns are addressed. They recommended reevaluating the program every 5 years, producing annual progress reports, distributing economic analyses of taxation, and sharing lessons with the international community. Canadian recreational sales are estimated to become a $4.6 Billion market.

The next step will fall to the Federal Government, as it attempts to implement the task force’s recommendations. The world is watching your pioneering efforts to end marijuana prohibition, Canada. Don’t fuck it up for the rest of us.