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13/08/2019

Legal Laws on Cannabis, Every Canadian Should Know

Here are some cannabis laws that every Canadian should know before using cannabis for recreational purpose.

Cannabis was legalized in Canada on Oct 17th 2018 by the Canadian Parliament. Canada became the second country after Uruguay to legalize cannabis at the federal level. Cannabis act or Bill C-45 was introduced at the Canadian parliament by Minister of Justice - Jody Wilson-Raybould, aiming at legalization and control of cannabis/marijuana industry.

Here are some cannabis laws which every Canadian should know

Individuals above age 18 are allowed to use cannabis for recreational purpose.

Cannabis SmokerMedicinal use of cannabis was legalized in Canada in the year 2001 under conditions outlined in the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations, later superseded by the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, issued by Health Canada. These regulations permitted seed, grain, and fibre production under license by Health Canada. The Cannabis Act came into effect on 17th October 2018 and made Canada the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to formally legalize the cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption of cannabis and its by-products.

 

Individuals are allowed to possess max 30 grams of cannabis

Cannabis

An individual can possess a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis at public places. If caught with more than prescribed quantity, it can lead to a maximum sentence of 5 Years Under Section 8(1) if it is an indictable offence and a fine of maximum 5000$ along with a sentence of 6 months if it is a summary conviction. However, exemptions to a medical emergency are properly defined for the patient and accompanied health personnel.

Individual Province are free to restrict possession, sale and use of cannabis

Canada Map

In Canada, regulation differs from province to province, though there are some general rules regarding promotion, packaging, and advertising of cannabis and its products. The Cannabis Act (2018) gave provinces powers such as the determination of the method of distribution and sale. It also gave provinces, the power to determine, whether cannabis use will be legal inside private residence or homes (if children are present in the home). Each province will also establish the legal age for cannabis use. The Cannabis Act (2018) also allows householders to grow up to four cannabis plants, but provinces of Quebec and Manitoba announced that they would not permit this option. Most provinces have determined the minimum age to purchase and consume cannabis is 19 years old, although Alberta and Quebec have set it off18 years old in line with their alcohol and tobacco laws. Quebec later raised the minimum age to 21.

Sales are allowed through retail outlet or mail (Controlled by Federal Government)

Cannabis Dispensary

After it was known that the federal legislation would give provinces the power to determine the method of distribution and sale, Ontario announced that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario would be the sole vendor of cannabis and its products. Provinces of New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island had decided to sell cannabis through government-owned stores, as liquor is sold. British Columbia plans to sell cannabis through some government stores but would also allow private sector retail locations as well. Provinces of Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan have decided to allow private retail sales with liquor control authorities responsible for regulating private stores. All provinces, except Manitoba, had plans for online sales direct to consumers. Each province can set its own procedures for retail sales, and these may vary as to the ownership of retail stores (government or private enterprise) but later on, all provinces decided to offer an option of online sales.

Promotions and Branding of Cannabis and its products are allowed

Adult-use cannabis can only be sold in packages of a single colour without graphics other than the logo and a health warning. Cannabis products producing companies will not be allowed to promote themselves through TV commercials, sponsor people or events, billboards, or glossy magazine ads, or put their names on sports and cultural facilities. Companies will be allowed to brand their products, but avoiding anything that would appear to appeal directly to youth such as cartoon characters, animals, or celebrity endorsement. They can use factual information on their packaging, such as THC levels, that would help consumers make a decision on what product to buy. Promotion is only allowed in places where youth cannot view it.

Individuals are permitted to grow up to a maximum of 4 plants at their home.

Cannabis Plant

An individual in all provinces is allowed to grow up to 4 plants in their house for personal use except in Manitoba and Quebec. Both Manitoba and Quebec do not permit household planting of cannabis plants.

This article has been compiled from following sources on 25/01/2019.

  1. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-24.5/page-1.html - Department of Justice Laws, Government of Canada
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_Act -  Wikipedia on Cannabis Act
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Canada -Wikipedia on Cannabis in Canada

(Viewers Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purpose only. This article is solely written for the presentation of facts. This article, the author or publishing company doesn’t mean to promote, express views, dissent or any way comment on the facts mentioned above. The facts mentioned above may or may not change in future. The author or publishing company are henceforth not liable for any of the facts mentioned above.)


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Cannabis Drinks ExpoCannabis Drinks Expo is a must-attend event for those curiously eying the future of the burgeoning U.S. cannabis industry.

We also cover the key issues surrounding the likelihood and timescale for legalization to other countries, as well as the impact of legalized cannabis on the traditional alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks markets globally.


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Cannabis Drinks Expo promises to be relevant for anyone involved in the development, production, distribution and retailing of cannabis and related products. It will also provide a vital networking opportunity for political analysts, medical experts and those involved in the development and implementation of legalized cannabis into new markets.

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Potential exhibitors include (but not limited to): Medical marijuana producers, Cannabis growers, Cannabis producers/ product developers, Cannabis processors, Cannabis distributors/transporters, Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Branded drinks companies, Drinks manufacturers/producers, Pharma companies, Equipments and service providers, CBD manufacturers, Marijuana-Infused products and edibles providers, Testing and laboratory services, Logistics and supply chain operators, Drinks distributors/wholesalers, Drinks importers, Lobbyists/ public affairs businesses, Political advisors, and more.