Cannabis Law inNew Brunswickers

Manitoba's journey into the For the residents of New Brunswick, the anticipation of non-medical cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018, came with a mixed bag of legislation. On the one hand, the laws introduced some restrictions, including the prohibition of public smoking and requirements for home growers to cultivate their plants within securely locked enclosures. These measures aimed to strike a balance between accessibility and responsible use. world of legalized cannabis has been marked by a series of carefully considered legislative decisions. In line with the national government's legalization of adult-use marijuana on October 17, 2018, Manitoba opted to allow the widespread sale of cannabis throughout the province. This move saw cannabis being sold alongside liquor in privately owned retail stores, some of which even permit minors to enter. However, the province implemented a ban on home cultivation and imposed stringent restrictions on public consumption. Moreover, Manitoba adhered to the federal minimum age requirement of 19 for cannabis purchase. In response to these regulatory changes, the Liquor and Gaming Authority transformed into the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA) of Manitoba, expanding its purview to encompass cannabis regulation.

However, the province's preparations for legalization showcased a more progressive approach. The unveiling of the 20 government-run cannabis shops revealed sleek, modern, and upscale retail spaces with vibrant color palettes. These stores were designed to offer approximately 250 different cannabis products, thoughtfully categorized into sativa, indica, and hybrid strains, with detailed descriptions available in brochures to cater to varying consumer preferences. To ensure a smooth transition into the legalized market, the government established a working group whose insights helped guide the process, resulting in a comprehensive legislative framework.

In passing the new legislation, the Assembly of New Brunswick considered three new acts and made amendments to two existing ones. The Cannabis Control Act was put in place to govern consumption and use, while the Cannabis Management Corporation Act established a government-owned crown corporation tasked with overseeing and controlling the retail sale of recreational marijuana. Other measures included the creation of an education and awareness fund, amendments to enhance the powers of the province's liquor corporation, and the incorporation of drug-impaired driving amendments into the Motor Vehicle Act. Notably, these amendments introduced a "zero-tolerance" policy for new drivers in the graduated license program and all drivers under 21, extending to various vehicles like motorcycles, tractors, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles on highways and managed trails. Exceptions may be considered for medical marijuana users if they are not deemed impaired. The legislation also empowered law enforcement to suspend licenses, impound vehicles, and impose administrative sanctions and driver education. Federal guidelines established graduated penalties based on drug or alcohol concentrations and prior offenses, with a legal limit for THC in the bloodstream set at two nanograms per milliliter, with corresponding penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for drug-impaired driving offenses. These comprehensive measures were enacted to ensure the responsible and safe use of cannabis on New Brunswick's roads.