Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration has reiterated Canada’s commitment to legalizing cannabis, reaffirming the government’s intention to end the failed and harmful policy of prohibition. Canada has had a long history of progressive marijuana policies, particularly before the decade long reign of the Conservative Stephen Harper-led government, but the landslide election of the Liberal Party has ushered in a new era of progressive cannabis reform, along with greater criminal justice policy changes.

The Guardian reported:

A speech delivered by governor general David Johnston reiterated new prime minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana. It is a position Trudeau has held since becoming leader of the Liberal party in 2013. However, for the first time, the government said it will restrict access to marijuana but did not elaborate.

Trudeau has said that legalizing marijuana would fix a “failed system” and help remove the “criminal element” linked to the drug. He also has said Canadians would benefit from analyzing the experiences of Colorado and Washington state, which recently legalized pot.

The speech also expanded on five themes that were central to the Liberals’ election victory, which ended the near-decade-long Conservation party’s reign.

The fact that the Liberal Party won such a strong victory with marijuana legalization as a part of the party’s platform, has energized cannabis law reformers across the globe as advocates are hopeful that successful implementation in Canada will help move forward positive reforms in other nations around the world. Since politicians don’t always stick to their campaign promises (GASP!), it was great to hear directly from Trudeau’s administration that Canada plans to move full-speed ahead with legalization.