Last month, over 48,000 British Columbians voiced their opinions on marijuana regulation in the province.
After taking into consideration the views of everyday citizens, 141 local and Indigenous governments and a host of other stakeholders, the provincial government has announced a series of important decisions about the legalization of non-medical marijuana in July 2018.
Here’s what you need to know
- The government will set the minimum age to purchase, possess and consume cannabis at 19 years old, which is consistent with the province’s laws on alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is set to be the wholesale distributor of non-medical marijuana in the province.
- Public and private retail opportunities will be encouraged and the province plans to come up with a detailed model off of which to base these stores in early 2018.
“We thank all British Columbians who provided their input during the important public and stakeholder engagement process,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth stated in a press release.
“We will continue to consider your opinions as we further develop policy and legislation that is in the best interests of this province, ensuring a made-in-B.C. approach to the legalization of non-medical cannabis that will keep our roads and communities safe, protect young people, and promote public health and safety.”
There are still a number of important decisions to be made before legalization, but it looks like we’re well on the road to being able to buy recreational weed!
