Quebec raises legal consumption age for cannabis to 21

New law, which goes into effect 1 January, is intended to 'protect' teens and their developing brains, said junior health minister

The day cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018, the line outside of Quebec's government-run pot shop in downtown Montreal ran hundreds deep down multiple city blocks.

At least some of those enthusiasts will be gravely disappointed after a new law passed by the provincial government has raised the legal consumption age from 18 to 21. The change, announced this week, is intended to "protect" teenagers and their developing brains, according to the junior health minister, Lionel Carmant.