Weed Legal In Canada On Anniversary Of Gord Downie's Death

Prime minister Justin Trudeau chose the first anniversary of singer Gord Downie’s death to make marijuana legal for recreational use in Canada.

Trudeau announced on Wednesday that weed would be legal beginning Oct. 17.

Trudeau attended The Tragically Hip’s final live show in Kingston, Ont. in August 2016 and tearfully paid tribute to Downie a day after he died last year.

Downie had been an advocate for marijuana use during his life. Shortly after announcing that he had terminal brain cancer, The Hip revealed a partnership with Newstrike, a licensed medical marijuana producer.

“It already greatly benefits the health and well being of many of our fellow Canadians,” read a statement from the band. "There is a commitment from the Federal Government to legalize recreational use … and with good reason. The harm wrought by the prohibition of marijuana has been thoroughly researched and documented.

“This is a common-sense-policy and, in our opinion, is a change for the best.”

Oct. 17 also happens to be the 50th birthday of musician Ziggy Marley, whose father Bob Marley fought for the legalization of marijuana.