The Provincial Government today is introducing several pieces of legislation in the House of Assembly to prepare Newfoundland and Labrador for the legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes. In addition to amendments to several existing pieces of legislation, a new Cannabis Control Act will also be introduced for second reading. Since the Federal Government first announced in 2017 that it would legalize cannabis in Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been working to develop provincial policies and legislation with the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in mind. Today’s bills were prepared after considerable public consultation and after a close examination of what other jurisdictions in the country are doing. If passed, the Cannabis Control Act will:

• Regulate the sale, purchase, consumption, transportation and use of cannabis;
• Create a licensing structure for cannabis retailers;
• Provide the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation with authority to administer and enforce the Act and regulations; and
• Set out offences and penalties.

Proposed amendments are also being brought forward for:

• Highway Traffic Act
• Liquor Corporation Act
• Smoke-Free Environment Act, 2005

The Provincial Government is ensuring that the provincial legislation related to non-medical use of cannabis promotes public health and safety, discourages use by youth, encourages responsible use by adults, keeps profits from criminals and reduces the burden on the criminal justice system. Quotes “Cannabis is a unique product from a regulation standpoint. Legislation must treat it in a similar fashion to alcohol, given its capacity to impair, but also like cigarettes, in that it can be smoked or vaped and can affect people second-hand. The Cannabis Control Act is a comprehensive new piece of legislation that will provide an effective, overarching regulatory framework for legalized cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador.” Honourable Tom Osborne Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board “We recognize that cannabis use can come with serious health and safety risks. It’s crucial that we have a system in place that allows for oversight and enforcement of the law. This piece of legislation will help mitigate the risks associated with cannabis by providing provisions for regulation and oversight.” Honourable Andrew Parsons Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Learn more Follow us @GovNL , @FIN_GovNL , and @JPS_GovNL Media Contacts Marc Budgell Finance 709-729-2477, 689-0430 marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca Lesley Clarke Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 699-2910 lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca