The Canadian government is ready to pardon those with a pot possession record of 30 grams or less after Canada becomes the second and largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace Wednesday.
A senior government official said those with a record will be allowed to apply for a pardon. The official was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of Wednesday's announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.
On Wednesday, Canada becomes the second country after Uruguay to legalize so-called recreational marijuana.
More than two dozen countries have relaxed their marijuana or other drug laws, and given Canada’s case, a number could consider legalising in the not-so-distant future.
The South American nation of Uruguay was first to legalize marijuana in 2013. Canada became the second on Wednesday and its size and global standing likely will encourage others to follow.
As Canada became the second country ever to take the step, jubiliant smokers took to Twitter to celebrate the day.
(With inputs from AP)
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