Province set to unveil Cannabis Control Act on Tuesday

In addition to the act itself, Justice Minister Mark Furey is expected to announce other legislative amendments to implement marijuana legalization in the province.

Halifaxtoday.ca
April 3, 2018
Mark Hodgins

Nova Scotians should have a clearer idea of what marijuana legalization will look like in the province on Tuesday, as the government prepares to reveal its Cannabis Control Act.

In addition to the act itself, Justice Minister Mark Furey is expected to announce other legislative amendments to implement marijuana legalization in the province.

While it's not clear what decision will be announced Tuesday, those that are already known have come under criticism from some.

The opposition PC party said in a release that a freedom of information request shows the decision to co-locate the sale of marijuana and alcohol in NSLC stores will be more expensive that standalone stores. The co-location plan also goes against recommendations from healthcare advocates, who have argued it could encourage use of marijuana and alcohol together.

Meantime, the province is planning to strengthen their Smoke-free Places Act by expanding the number of places where tobacco, and cannabis when it's legal, can't be used.

The proposed amendments will mean no smoking or vaping of cannabis or tobacco:

• on or within 20 metres of playgrounds located in an outdoor public space
• on or within 20 metres of a publicly owned sport and recreation event or venue, located in an outdoor public space
• on and within nine metres of public trails
• in provincial parks and on provincial beaches, except for within the boundaries of a rented campsite

 

Smoking is already banned in all indoor public places and workplaces. It's also prohibited in many outdoor areas, including restaurant and bar patios, schools, daycares and health-care facilities.

Landlords in the province are hoping to be given the legal authority to alter leases, allowing them to choose whether to allow marijuana in rental properties.

And last week, Doctors Nova Scotia unveiled six recommendations, including that prices be based on THC levels in marijuana, and that sales restrictions not be so strong as to encourage underground sales.