The Cannabis Act of 2018 was a landmark moment in Canadian history, as it officially legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults across the country. This Act created a strict legal framework to control the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, and it also helped keep Canadians who use cannabis out of the criminal justice system. A study conducted shortly after the Cannabis Act was enacted found that more Canadians were obtaining cannabis legally and fewer were consuming illegal cannabis than before the legislative change. This was likely due to the fact that before the Cannabis Act, only medical use was legal and restricted to a comparatively smaller number of participants in Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) program.
The Cannabis Act also allowed adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household. This has been beneficial for those who prefer to grow their own cannabis, as it provides them with a legal way to do so. The main objective of this study was to examine changes in self-reported cannabis use and related behaviors in relation to the three main public health objectives of the Cannabis Act. These objectives included reducing the burden on courts, preventing young people from accessing cannabis, and reducing the risks associated with driving (or traveling in vehicles) with a possible disability.
The study found that since the legalization of recreational cannabis, Canadian provinces and territories have introduced a varied regulatory framework to manage the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis across the country. This has been beneficial for those who prefer to purchase their cannabis from a legal source, as it provides them with more options than before. Overall, it appears that the Cannabis Act has been successful in achieving its main objectives. It has helped keep Canadians who use cannabis out of the criminal justice system, reduced the burden on courts, prevented young people from accessing cannabis, and reduced the risks associated with driving (or traveling in vehicles) with a possible disability.
