A federal task force has concluded that Canada is well-positioned to legalize marijuana, safely and efficiently.
The nine-person task force, led by former cabinet minister Anne McLellan, had 80 recommendations including tracking the drug at every stage, regulating how and where it is sold, and restricting access to youth.
The force also recommends placing limits on how much people can buy and possess: 30 grams.
McLellan and her team spent five months talking to Canadians who use marijuana for medical reasons, as well as doctors and experts in law enforcement.
They came to the conclusion that Canada is well placed to create a legal market for marijuana, and to do it with a goal of better protecting the health and safety of citizens.
The first step should be an education campaign.
"We recommend a series of actions to educate Canadians in advance of the coming changes in order to increase overall awareness and knowledge of cannabis, including risks related to impaired driving," said McLellan.
The task force says there should be more study of crashes by those under the influence of marijuana, and an education campaign to convince drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.
They also want to make sure products are not marketed to children, or that edible marijuana is not produced or packaged in a way that imitates items that look like candy.
"We recommend the establishment of a well-regulated production, manufacturing and distribution environment," said McLellan, including a way to let consumers know how pesticides were used in growing pot.
One goal of legalizing marijuana would be to knock out the organized criminals that currently control the black market in Canada.
The chair also mentioned needing more research on problematic use of marijuana and more research on its benefits and theraputic uses.
The Trudeau government will now study the report and issued a statement saying it will table legislation in the spring.
Until then, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use in Canada.
