The Canadian government has released proposed federal regulations, clarifying some details of the program as provincial governments begin releasing their own draft rules.
What’s in the proposal? Provisions for small, craft cannabis producers, 10 milligram limits on allowable THC content in edibles, and 30 milligram-per-milliliter of THC in oils. Single-use products, such as pre-rolls, cannot contain more than 1 gram of flower.
Edibles and concentrates would not be immediately available. The government is proposing they be permitted separately, within one year of the law’s passage.
Labelling and packaging requirements must promote “informed consumer choice,” including a health warning and THC content. Packaging cannot be appealing to youth, but the rules do not require it to be plain.
Low-risk criminal offenders could be disqualified from participating in the industry.
The proposal requires individuals employed in the industry to have security clearance issued by the health minister; allowing the minister to refuse clearance to those with past drug trafficking or violent crime convictions. Officials are seeking public comment on whether to allow those with minor drug offenses to work in the industry.
Minister of Health Pepitas Taylor indicated in a CBC report that more than 500,0000 Canadians have minor drug convictions on their criminal record.
“We’re just asking the question: should these people with a small amount of personal possession, should they be excluded from the market or should we consider them.” – Taylor
How far along is the Canadian legalization plan? New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, have each outlined their legal regime and Health Canada is launching a public awareness campaign on legalization. Sales are expected July, 1.