Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that recreational marijuana will officially become legal in the country on Oct. 17, 2018.

Trudeau confirmed the long-awaited  date during ‘Question Period’ in Ottawa, ending months of speculation surrounding precisely when Canadians would be able to purchase and consume the drug legally.

The Liberals in the country’s parliament had initially aimed for July 1 which is Canada Day but procedural issues and delays prevented them from reaching the target.

The legislation outlining the federal government’s approach to legal pot (Bill C-45) passed the Senate on Tuesday night after a tense few days of legislative ups and downs between the Red Chamber and House of Commons.

The bill is expected to receive royal assent within days even as Trudeau had promised to give provinces, municipalities and marijuana businesses between eight and 12 additional weeks to prepare for the new law.

Provinces and territories have already established where and how the products will be sold to consumers, resulting in a mixture of private, licensed stores and government-run facilities across the country.

Consumers of legal age (set at 19 everywhere except Quebec and Alberta, where it will be 18) will also be able to purchase legal weed online. However, Canadians would face strict regulations surrounding where they can consume the drug.

Packaging of the final marijuana would be plain while oils, seeds and fresh/dried marijuana will be widely available. Edibles containing the drug are not expected to be sold until 2019 at the earliest.

Bill C-46, which was tabled at the same time as the main pot legislation, includes new powers for police and harsher penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.