Canada Is Reviewing the Results of Cannabis Legalisation - Archived
When Canada legalised cannabis, the ruling required that the federal government perform a review of the Cannabis Act after three years to see how it has affected the country.
The review is well underway, but is more than a year overdue. It’s likely that the findings will be released soon since the research has mostly been completed.
“Through this useful, inclusive, and evidence-driven review, we will strengthen the act so that it meets the needs of all Canadians while continuing to displace the illicit market. I look forward to receiving the panel’s findings,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said.
“While a lot of progress has been made on the implementation of the Cannabis Act and its dual objectives of protecting public health and maintaining public safety, we need to assess the work that has been done and learn how and where to adjust to meet these goals.”
Here are some of the topics that the review will cover.
Effects on Youth
Many critics of legalising THC products are worried about its impacts on children. After three years of legal weed, it’s likely that we’ll soon learn more about these effects.
“Young people are at increased risk of experiencing harms from cannabis such as mental health problems, including dependence and disorders related to anxiety and depression,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett.
“While a lot of progress has been made on the implementation of the Cannabis Act and its dual objectives of protecting public health and maintaining public safety, we need to assess the work that has been done and learn how and where to adjust to meet these goals.”
The Cannabis Act contains many measures that are intended to keep cannabis away from children. All cannabis has to be in child-resistant packaging, and all weed products must have standardised cannabis labels. They must also not have packaging that’s colourful or looks like food to children.
You have to be 18 years old to purchase cannabis, and some provinces have increased the age. They wanted to choose an age that was comparable to tobacco and alcohol while still minimising public health risks and reducing the incentives for youth to buy cannabis illegally.
The Cannabis Act also prohibits:
- Promotion that is appealing to youth
- Promotion through any testimonials or endorsements
- Promotion that presents a lifestyle (such as one that includes glamour, recreation, risk, excitement, or danger)
Lastly, many critics worry about whether children are more likely to consume edibles. There is evidence that more children have ended up in the emergency room because they consumed edibles, but there’s no evidence that they suffered any permanent harm.
Still, there might be more work to be done to keep kids safe in light of legalisation. We’ll have to see what the report says when it’s released in the coming months.
Effects on Indigenous People
One of the biggest concerns when legalising cannabis was how it would affect the Indigenous population in Canada.
As of August 2022, Health Canada officials have participated in over 280 engagement sessions with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments to understand their perspectives and concerns about the Act. It’s obvious that the government wants to get this part of the law right.
Some specific concerns of Indigenous people in Canada include:
- Establishing governance processes to make sure that Indigenous Canadians have voices in shaping the future direction of federal policies for the Cannabis Act
- Creating culturally appropriate public education, metal health, and substance use services
- Giving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples jurisdiction over various aspects of cannabis activities
- Increasing opportunities for Indigenous people to participate in the cannabis market
- Addressing issues with public safety and law enforcement
Here’s what we know so far. About 30% of First Nations adults reported using cannabis in the past year, and 12% said they used it daily or almost daily. They’re also less likely to use medical marijuana vs recreational weed.
The survey shows that more might need to be done to keep children from consuming cannabis in Native communities. In 2021, the average age of first cannabis use was 17 years old for Native people, compared to 20.5 among non-Indigenous people surveyed.
The upcoming review will paint a fuller picture of how Indigenous Canadians are affected by cannabis legalisation. For now, it’s a great first step that First Nations people have been part of the legislation from the beginning.
Impacts on the Illegal Cannabis Market
Not all cannabis is legal under the Cannabis Act. The review will determine whether any current parts of the Act are making it easier for the illegal marijuana market to operate.
Some activities that are still illegal under the Cannabis Act include:
- Public possession of more than 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or its equivalent
- Unauthorised distribution or sale of cannabis
- Producing cannabis beyond personal cultivation limits
- Producing cannabis with organic solvents
- Taking cannabis across Canada’s borders
- Giving or selling cannabis to a person under the age of 18
- Using a youth to commit a cannabis-related offence
The committee wants to make sure that home growers aren’t reselling their cannabis at a profit. The panel might recommend some changes to these laws.
The illegal cannabis market also makes it easier for young people to get involved with cannabis. That’s one of the reasons the government wants to shut it down.
It’s estimated that the illegal marijuana market in Canada was worth $2.8 billion in 2021. It seems likely that the government committee will revise some of their rules to snuff out the illegal supply.
Overall, it’s exciting to see that we’re learning more about how cannabis operates in our communities. While some of the news might not be perfect, it’s great data to learn from and build a more sustainable infrastructure.
Happy Tree Buds is the best place to buy weed online in Canada! We ship THC & CBD products directly to your door, eliminating the hassle of going to a dispensary.
We carry flower, edibles, vapes, extracts, concentrates, tinctures, capsules, and more! It’s easy to find what you’re looking for on our easy to use website.
We’ll ship your cannabis to any address in Canada. You’ll even get free shipping on orders over $150.
Buy online today!