The Government of Manitoba has introduced legislation that would make consuming all non-medical cannabis products in public areas illegal. The new legislation comes on top of existing provisions focused on smoking and vaping in public.
Justice Minister Cliff Cullen said that with a growing number of cannabis products becoming available in the marketplace, the government is taking a strong stance against consumption in public areas.
“This helps reduce the risks associated with public intoxication and impaired driving while encouraging Manitobans who choose to use these products to do so at home safely and responsibly,” said Cullen. “Most of all, we want to ensure the use of these products is not normalized or encouraged amongst young people.
Bill 5 would amend The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act to ban public consumption of edibles, extracts, and topical cannabis products.
Edibles are set to become available in Manitoba in December, once they’re authorized by Health Canada.
Similar rules for smoking and vaping cannabis are included in The Smoking and Vapour Products Control Act, while public consumption of alcohol has been illegal for almost 100 years.
Their new provision does not include cannabis products without THC. Medical cannabis for treatment is also exempted from the ban.
The legislation would come into upon proclamation.
More information about the laws, regulations, and other provisions related to non-medical cannabis is available online.
