Canada to become first G7 nation to legalize marijuana: government

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised the move during the recent election campaign that swept his Liberals to power

OTTAWA:

Canada will next year become the first country in the G7 bloc of leading economies to legalize marijuana, the government said Friday in a speech by the governor general.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised the move during the recent election campaign that swept his Liberals to power, after two previous administrations failed to follow through on a similar pledge.

In the United States some states have legalized the recreational usage of marijuana which include Alaska, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, as well as the District of Columbia. About two dozen states allow its use for medical reasons only.