DELTA, B.C. – Canada is poised to become the second country – and by far the largest – to legalize marijuana.
Sales begin next Wednesday, with residents able to purchase it in retail shops or order online and have it delivered. According to an Associated Press survey of the provinces, at least 109 stores are expected to open next week across the nation of 37 million people, with more outlets to come.
A big difference between Canada and the nine American states that have legalized recreational marijuana is government involvement. Many of the provinces themselves will buy pot from licensed growers and distribute it to shops and mail-order customers. Some provinces are running their own stores.
Uruguay is the only other nation with legal marijuana.