Update On Cannabis Legalization In Canada

An encouraging update on the Cannabis legalization process – members of the Federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation provided their Final Report to Parliament today. Despite that title sounding like a slightly less exciting branch of the DC Comics Justice League, the report and corresponding press conference, give some cause for optimism. A few key recommendations:

·         Minimum of 18 years of age to purchase

·         All cannabis products include labels identifying levels of THC and CBD

o   Scaling tax scheme with higher taxation on higher-potency products

·         Personal cultivation limit of 4 plans per residence

o   Maximum height of 100cm

o   Reasonable security measure to prevent theft and youth access

o   Oversight and approval by local authorities

·         Maintain criminal offences for

o   Illicit production

o   Trafficking

o   Possession for the purposes of trafficking

o   Possession for the purposes of export

·         Limit public possession for non-medical cannabis to 30 grams

At the end of the day, recommendations are not laws. The Task Force made it clear that much work lies ahead, but declined to provide a timeline for legalization and restated that decision lies with Parliament. It has been made clear that the majority of Canadians are ready for a regulatory framework for Cannabis – one hopes the Federal Government continues to move the issue forward.

For more reading, please see here for the complete Final Report of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/task-force-marijuana-groupe-etude/framework-cadre/index-eng.php

Please note that the above is for informational purposes only and is NOT legal advice. Legal advice can only be properly given by a lawyer who has met with you to discuss the details of your case and your personal circumstances. If you require legal advice, please use the Contact page to arrange for a free consultation.