Former deputy prime minister Anne McLellan will lead a nine-member task force to advise the Trudeau government on how to go about legalizing marijuana.
McLellan, who also served as a health and justice minister, will lead the task force, which will report to the government by November.
The Liberals are expected to introduce legislation in the spring of next year.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould is reminding Canadians police will continue to enforce current laws until then.
Health Minister Jane Philpott warned of the health and safety risks, especially to children and youth.
The government’s also launched online consultations, inviting Canadians to comment until the end of August.