In accordance with the Federal Government’s Cannabis Act and Regulations, the second phase of cannabis legalization related to non-medical cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals is now in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador. Under these regulations, as of October 17 licensed producers can begin submitting edible and topical products to Health Canada to be subjected to a review and approval process .
It is important to note that while the new regulations related to non-medical cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals are now in effect, these products are not yet available for legal purchase. Federal license holders are required to provide 60 days’ notice to Health Canada of their intent to sell new products, which they can do starting today. In addition to this notice, federally licensed processors must comply with new rules and produce products, while retailers require time to purchase new products and then make them available to sell.
It is expected that non-medical cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals will become available gradually starting in mid-December 2019. The only legal means by which to purchase non-medical cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador, including these new products, continues to be through Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) licensed cannabis retailers or online at ShopCannabisNL.com . The NLC, RCMP and RNC will continue to work together to disrupt and eliminate illicit operations.
Regulations for use, possession and impairment remain the same for all cannabis products, including:
- You must be at least 19 years old to purchase, consume or possess cannabis products;
- All edibles, extracts and topicals will require labels which indicate the product’s equivalency to dried cannabis content, and residents are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public or its equivalent in these products.
- Cannabis is not permitted for use in public places or inside vehicles;
- Consumption is permitted in private residences, as well as in hotel rooms or apartments in multi-unit residential buildings at the hotel’s or landlord’s discretion; and
- Driving while impaired remains a serious criminal offence with zero tolerance under provincial law for anyone under the age of 22 – just as with alcohol. There is also zero tolerance for novice drivers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.gov.nl.ca/cannabis or www.canada.ca/cannabis to learn more about all forms of legal cannabis.
Quotes
“Non-medical edibles, extracts and topicals will provide cannabis retailers with expanded product offerings and will allow them to reach a more diverse range of customers. These new products will be strictly regulated by the NLC, and I look forward to their continued diligence with the launch of new product lines in the coming months.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation
“NLC takes its commitment to ensure a safe and secure supply of cannabis products very seriously and will continue to do so as we launch these new classes of products. We are diligently working with current and new suppliers to offer a selection of products that will meet consumer demand and ensure they are sold in a responsible manner. NLC will continue its efforts to disrupt the black market, making the industry viable and safe for all.”
Sharon Sparkes
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation
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Learn more
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cannabis Information
Licensed Cannabis Retail Information in Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Canada Cannabis Information
Provincial Cannabis Regulations
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Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Finance
709-729-2477, 689-0430
marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca
Darrell Smith
Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation
709-724-1165
darrell.smith@nlliquor.com