There has been a vocal movement calling for amnesty for those people. So far, it has gone unanswered.

But according to a government official, a program to make it easier for Canadians convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana to obtain a pardon will be announced on Wednesday.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that because several details must still be worked out, the program will not become active immediately. Pardons are to be available only for people convicted of possessing 30 grams of marijuana or less, the legal limit under the new system.

To get a government license to grow or sell pot, you must first pass a stringent security check that eliminates anyone convicted of drug trafficking, corruption or violent offenses. .

What will happen at the Canada-U.S. border?

Canadians who admit at the border to using marijuana may be refused admission, according to the United States border authorities. But the border agency said it would not routinely quiz Canadian travelers about their cannabis habits after Wednesday.

Employees of marijuana companies and their investors will generally be allowed to enter the United States, the agency said, if they are not coming on marijuana-related business. But the agency said those people might no longer be able to obtain or hold cards that speed up border crossings.

Will Canadian politicians start smoking pot?

Funny you should ask. Canada’s young and telegenic prime minister, Mr. Trudeau, has admitted to smoking pot a few times, including once while he was an elected member of Parliament. But he said he never really liked it.

What are your unanswered questions around marijuana legalization in Canada? Let us know in the comments below.