QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Cannabis Regulations
February 28, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold. The legislative review of the Cannabis Act is well under way with the What We Heard Report published this past October. This report notes that while there was general agreement that the main objectives of the cannabis framework should be to continue to safeguard public health and safety:
In contrast, industry representatives suggested that elements of the precautionary approach impede their ability to compete with the illicit market . . . .
It is clear that the cannabis industry will make efforts to limit and minimize the precautionary approach of the cannabis framework in favour of growing industry.
Can you confirm that the government will not liberalize the rules around the sale, production and marketing of cannabis, and, in so doing, ensure public health and safety?
Thank you for your question. All of us who participated in the debate on the legalization of cannabis know that concern for public health was at the centre of our debates and deliberations. Indeed, as the sponsor pointed out eloquently throughout that debate, the initiative to legalize individual use of cannabis was primarily framed — and properly so — as a health issue. I think this chamber can rest assured that the concern for public safety and health will remain at the core of any further deliberations on cannabis legislation that may come down the road in the future. I’m not aware of any such initiatives or any such changes.
Thank you. I have a follow-up question, Senator Gold. The expert panel noted that their engagement with youth had been minimal, and they planned additional activities by the end of 2023. Can you confirm for us whether this panel has met with more young people and give a description of what these consultations looked like?
Thank you for your question. I have confidence in the processes, but I do not know the details of the status of those. I will certainly raise this with the minister when I have an opportunity to do so.
