Cannabis for recreational use was to be legalized by 1 July 2018 according to the government’s plans. Having passed its third reading in the House of Commons last fall, Bill C-45 became law, and Trudeau has promised to implement it immediately.
But the Senate has repeatedly threatened to send the bill back to the House for amendments, so it is still up for review. There have also been concerns raised that the law does not allow native leaders to regulate or prohibit the sale of pot on their land, as they can do with alcohol. The native leaders have also expressed concern that they were never consulted about new legislation regarding marijuana. These challenges may delay Legalisation cannabis until the fall session of parliament.
Even so, don’t expect to be able to buy anything on the day that legalization occurs. Before cannabis may be legally bought or sold, a transition period of two or three months is expected.
How can I purchase it?
Depending on your location in Canada, the details of the legalization process are decided by the provinces. The recreational cannabis industry is expected to be widely available in Alberta at 17 private retailers, while in Ontario the industry will only be available online later this year. There are some provinces that blend these two approaches. You can buy marijuana from the provincial liquor board in Newfoundland and Labrador. Only a few of the suddenly prevalent (and illegal) marijuana dispensaries are likely to survive when licensed retailing takes over.
What will I know when I buy something?
In accordance with Health Canada guidelines, the packaging must include as much information as possible so consumers can make an informed decision, such as the name of the producer, the name of the strain, and the amount of THC/CBD. It also includes a lengthy disclaimer about pot’s potential health hazards. The packaging is specifically designed to be so boring that its contents are never accidentally mistaken for something fun.
Can I have a certain amount of weed?
In the United States, adults can carry up to 30g of dried cannabis in a “public space,” which means 30 grams at a time is all that can be purchased. Your personal vehicle is considered a “public space.” The punishment for being caught with more than 30g in public can be up to five years in jail.
What is the best way to bake it into brownies?
Cannabis can be consumed recreationally in any way you choose, provided that you keep children away from it. A lockable room or container for weed is also required in New Brunswick, just as is the case for firearms.
In all likelihood, you won’t be able to buy marijuana extracts or edibles until exactly one year after the Cannabis Act takes effect, sometime around 2019.
Is it safe for me to drive high?
Not at all! A number of factors make this a bad idea, leading to the fact that it is both illegal and dangerous. A Liberal proposal to amend the criminal code to include stoned driving, bill C-46, would impose a $1,000 minimum fine for a first offence; a 30 day minimum sentence for a second offence; and a 120 day minimum for any subsequent convictions. The penalties get steeper if you kill, maim, or injure someone. You could spend the rest of your life in prison. If you are less than 5ng but more than 2.5ng, you could be fined up to $1,000.
It is more difficult to prove marijuana impairment. For pot, there are no breathalyzers, nor is there a consensus about what is a safe level of intoxication. A standard rate of metabolization is observed for alcohol, but THC is metabolized differently depending on the user’s age, history of use, genetic background, and method of ingestion, and it remains detectable in the urine for days, weeks, or months after consumption.In the meantime, police officers can only order standard field sobriety tests when they suspect a driver may be drunk. An expert will gauge impairment and order further blood or saliva tests if the driver fails the initial 12-step drug recognition evaluation.
A driver suspected of being high could be subjected to roadside testing of oral fluid if officers suspect they are driving under the influence. Furthermore, if they order a DRE evaluation, they can preemptively request blood samples.