Less than 24 hours after cannabis became legal in Canada, the federal government announced that it had made so much money in tax revenue from the sale of legal weed that it was able to pay off the country's entire $650 billion debt .

“I told you so,”Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, looking decidedly less handsome than usual with his bloodshot eyes. “This is amazing! One day you’re in debt and the next day it’s gone. It’s just one more thing that makes Canada the great country it is!”

Millions of Canadian stoners lined up outside their local marijuana shop to buy weed legally and pay taxes for the first time.

“It’s like the ’60s all over again! But this time the government likes us!” said an Ottawa man, who bought three brownies and half a dozen joints. “Who would have thought getting high would have such a positive impact on the Canadian economy! It’s better than the tar sands!”

The Canadian government has been quick to report the financial benefits of the new legislation.

“We were down to $300 billion by 10 a.m.,” said Finance Minister Bill Morneau. “Selling was steady all day, and by early evening our 10-year debt was completely gone. Thank you, cannabis! ”

The debt reduction strategy has been praised by experts as an economic miracle , although some suspect that the Finance Minister was stoned when he drew up the calculations.