Canada sets plans for legalizing marijuana in 2017

"We know it is impossible to arrest our way out of this problem.”
 By  KRISTEN GWYNNE  for High Times  on 
Canada sets plans for legalizing marijuana in 2017
A Canadian flag with a marijuana leaf flies during a rally in support of legalizing marijuana on June 5, 2004 alongside Parliament Hill In Ottawa, Canada. Credit: getty Images/Donald Weber

High Times is the authority in all things cannabis, providing the independent, unbiased truth about the plant for over 42 years.

At the United Nations General Assembly Special Assembly on drugs in New York on April 20, Canadian Minister of Health Jane Philpott reiterated the government’s pledge to legalize marijuana, and offered a timeline for the plan as she addressed world delegates.

"We know it is impossible to arrest our way out of this problem.”

"We will introduce legislation in spring 2017 that ensures we keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals," Philpott said in a speech hailed by drug policy reformers for her advocacy of marijuana legalization  and harm reduction.


You May Also Like

"We will work with law enforcement partners to encourage appropriate and proportionate criminal justice measures," Philpott continued. "We know it is impossible to arrest our way out of this problem.”

Her remarks are the latest confirmation of Canada’s plan to legalize marijuana — a promise Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made in his campaign, and appears to be delivering. 

Topics Cannabis

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
New Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets have landed — preorders are live now at Amazon
Lego Start Wars Smart Play sets as seen at CES 2026

The best Lego deals this week deals take up to $20 off Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel builds
a Lego recycling truck, Lilo and Stich Beach House, and Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon builds all on a pink and coral-colored background

How to watch South Africa vs. Canada online for free
Aiden Markram of South Africa bats

How to watch Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey online for free
Ice hockey players

How to watch Canada vs. Switzerland in men's ice hockey online for free
ice hockey players

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!