On October 17, the Cannabis Act came into force and cannabis became legal for adults in Canada. The recreational drug, also known as marijuana or pot, is often smoked like a cigarette.
It is still illegal to buy or use pot in the United States (except in rare cases such as for medicinal use).
Children may not legally buy or smoke pot; it is not healthy for bodies and brains that are still growing. It is also illegal for anyone under 18 years old to purchase cigarettes.
“Protecting the health and safety of youth is a top priority,” a Government of Canada website states. It notes that there are “serious criminal penalties for those who sell or provide cannabis to youth.”
Only adults, 19 years of age or older, may legally smoke pot. They can also legally buy it and grow marijuana (for their own use, not to sell).