Quebec has passed its long-awaited cannabis law. Here's what's in it - Action News
Home WebMail Saturday, November 23, 2024, 04:26 AM | Calgary | -12.0°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Montreal

Quebec has passed its long-awaited cannabis law. Here's what's in it

After months of debate and revisions, Quebec has adopted a law laying out the guidelines for the sale and distribution of cannabis in the province.

Province lays out rules in anticipation of federal legalization

The Quebec government adopted its long-awaited cannabis legislation on Tuesday. (CBC)

After months of debate and revisions, Quebec has adopted a law laying out the guidelines for the sale and distribution of cannabis in the province.

Premier Philippe Couillard's Liberals, who holda majority in the National Assembly, all voted for Bill 157.QubecSolidaire, which holds three seats, also voted in favour.

The opposition PartiQubcois and Coalition Avenir Qubec voted against (more on that later).

Public Health MinisterLucieCharleboissays the province will be ready when the federal legislation will be in place laterthis year.

But she also took pains to stress the government is not promoting cannabis and the legislationincludes plenty of restrictions on its use.

The rules in Quebec rank among the mostconservative in the country.

Here's a breakdown of what's in the legislation and what to expect going forward.

Where will it be sold, and how much will it cost?

TheSAQ, Quebec's liquor board,will oversee the sale and distribution of marijuana, but the sales will be carried out by a new, separate entity: theSocitQubcoisedu Cannabis (SQDC).

Marijuana will be available for purchase at SQDC-run stores and online.

There are plans to openabout 20 stores by December and between150 and160 stores in the nexttwo to three years.

The online store will be operational as soon as cannabis is made legal.

What will be sold, and how much will it cost?

People will be able to buy both driedand fresh cannabis as well ascannabis oil.

Marijuana is expected tocost a little over$6 a gram.

Edibles won't be availableas they aren't part of the federal government's initial legalization plan.

Can I grow it myself?

The short answer is no.Quebecers won't be allowed to grow marijuana plants at home,even though the proposed federal law would allow Canadians to have upto four plants at home for their personal use.

The Senate made anamendment to the federal legislation last week that gives the final say on home grown pot to the provinces.

But the federal government hasrejected that change.

Quebec Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois celebrates the adoption of the province's cannabis legislation on Tuesday. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)

How old, and how much?

You'll need to be 18 to legally consume cannabis. The CAQ wanted the age limit to be 21.

Quebecerswill also only be allowed 150 grams of dried marijuana in their home and will only be allowed to purchase a maximum of 30 grams at any one time.

Marijuana use will only permitted in thesame places as tobacco.Smokingwill also be prohibited on university and CEGEP grounds.

There will be zero tolerance for drivers police officers will be able to ask for a saliva sample if they suspect someone is driving while highand will be able tosuspend a driver'slicence for 90 days if a sample comes back positive.

When will cannabis actually be legal?

That depends on what happens in Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained thatcannabis will be legal this summer, but there's still much to do.

Senators voted last week to pass the Trudeau government's landmark legislation to lift Canada's 95-year-old prohibition on recreational cannabiswith a number of amendments.

The government will have to decide whether to approve, reject or modify the senators' changes before returning the bill to the Senate for another vote.

How does Quebec comparewith the rest of the country?

The Quebec government has repeatedlystressed its legislation is aimed at ensuringpublic health, not at turning a profit.

The PQ wants Quebec to have more control over the production of cannabis. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

The sale of cannabis in Quebec will be tightly controlled by the SQDC, while other provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan (among others),have opened the door to privately run stores.

Quebec is also among the only jurisdictions, along with Manitoba and Nunavut, to prohibit growing marijuana at home.

Why did the PQ andCAQvote against?

TheCAQwas expected to oppose the legislation. Ithad long advocated for setting the legal age limit at 21.

The PQ, though, had been expected to supportthe legislation. But PQ leaderJean-FranoisLisetook issue with several points in the bill prior to Tuesday's vote.

In particular, he said theCouillardgovernment should have gone further in banning the use of marijuana in public places.

He also argued for more provisions to ensure Quebec companies are involved in the production of cannabis.

Lisesaid he was also "very concerned" about the potential links between the owners of cannabis producers and tax havens.

With files from Cathy Senay and The Canadian Press