Canada finalizes regulations for the production, sale of cannabis edibles
The Canadian government has announced amendments to the Cannabis Regulations setting out the rules governing the legal production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and cannabis topicals.
The Canadian government has announced amendments to the Cannabis Regulations setting out the rules governing the legal production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and cannabis topicals. In keeping with the federal government’s public health approach to the legalization and strict regulation of cannabis, the amended regulations seek to reduce the health risks of these cannabis products. At the same time, the amendments provide for a broad diversity of cannabis products, which will help displace the illegal market.
As required by the Cannabis Act, the amended regulations will come into force on Oct. 17, 2019. However, it will take time, after that date, before new cannabis products become available for purchase. It is expected that a limited selection of products will appear gradually in physical or online stores, and no earlier than mid-December 2019.
Federal license holders will need to provide 60-days notice to Health Canada of their intent to sell new products, as they are currently required to do. Additionally, as with any new regulatory framework, federally licensed processors will need time to become familiar with and prepare to comply with the new rules and to produce new products. Provincially or territorially authorized distributors and retailers will also need time to purchase and obtain the new products and make them available for sale.
Public education and awareness efforts are critical to informing adult consumers about the unique health and safety risks posed by these cannabis products. Health Canada has released new evidence-based resources and updated content on its website to support consumers in making informed decisions about cannabis.
“The amended regulations under the Cannabis Act will support our overarching goal of keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and protecting Canadians by helping to mitigate the health risks posed by these new cannabis products,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s minister of health. “I encourage adult Canadians who choose to consume cannabis to remember to store it safely out of the reach of children and youth, and to consult the new evidence-based resources on Health Canada’s website that can support you in making informed decisions.”