Colorado and Washington may have jumped ahead in the race to become North America’s marijuana kings, but Canada is now positioned to take a lead in the booming multibillion-dollar industry.

Canadian leaders could legalize recreational marijuana use as soon as next year, potentially opening the door for pot to be sold at pharmacies and province-run liquor stores.

Medical cannabis has been legal in the country since 2001.

Under the new legislation, marijuana growers and distributors in Canada would also find themselves free of the trip wires that make the pot business in the U.S. risky – such as being barred from opening bank accounts or doing business with big-money investors.

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Christopher Guly ~ Los Angeles Times~