With recreational marijuana just a few months away from federal legalization, the provincial government is now taking steps to make sure that legal cannabis is distributed to the public in safe, and controlled ways.
According to Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, the new Cannabis Distribution Act (CDA) will give the province ultimate control over the wholesale distribution of non-medicinal marijuana, while private retailers will have to obtain training and licenses in order to be able to sell.
Farnworth told Victoria Buzz that any current retailers who wish to sell recreational cannabis will have to apply and get licensing to do so – there will be no grandfathering.
As far as private possession goes, the provincial legislation will remain in line with federal laws: individuals can cultivate up to 4 marijuana plants and possess no more than 30g of weed in any form at any time. Anyone found in violation of these rules will be ticketed.
Enforcement and associated costs
In order to ensure that these new laws are followed, the Ministry of Public Safety is working on creating an enforcement regime that will protect children and youth, keep the roads safe, and target illegal sellers.
Furthermore, the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) will be amended to include an assessment of the risks of drug-affected driving, and provide the police with avenues to remove impaired drivers from the road.
At this time, there is no estimate of how much setting up the new cannabis system will cost the province. According to Farnworth, it depends in part on how many retail outlets open up. The costs are expected to be funded by revenues from BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch.
BC Cannabis Stores
Once cannabis is federally legalized, public cannabis stores and an online retail store for recreational marijuana will be set up under the brand ‘BC Cannabis Stores’.
BC Cannabis Stores locations will be separate from BC Liquor Stores outlets. Both public and private retail stores will only be allowed to sell 30g of dried marijuana (or its equivalent in oil) to an individual at a time.
Criticisms
In a response to the new proposed legislation, BC Liberal MLA Mike Morris stated that these laws are too “rushed”.
“Legalizing cannabis is very complex and too important to rush – but we’re only months away from federal legislation and we’re just now getting the first glimpse at an implementation plan,” said Morris.
“As we’ve seen throughout this session, the NDP have demonstrated a consistent track record with rushed, flawed legislation.”
 will give the province ultimate control over the wholesale distribution of non-medicinal marijuana, while private retailers will have to obtain training and licenses in order to be able to sell. ){kind=link}