By Greg Fry

B.C. government introduces pot legislation

Apr 26, 2018 | 11:00 AM

VICTORIA — The provincial government rolled out its long-awaited non-medical cannabis legislation in Victoria Thursday.

Victoria’s proposed Cannabis Distribution Act (CDA) “will establish the Province’s exclusive jurisdiction over wholesale distribution of cannabis, and provide authority for public retail sales,” reads a government news release.

“The proposed Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA) establishes control over the sale and possession of non-medical cannabis, and establishes licensing of private cannabis retailers, including registration and training requirements for those who will work in cannabis retail. The act outlines restrictions on the possession, personal cultivation and consumption of cannabis by adults and prohibtions for minors.”

The provincial government says the act includes “an extensive compliance and enforcement regime to ensure legalization of non-medical cannabis protects children and youth, prioritizes public health safety, keeps cannabis out of the hands of criminals and keeps roads safe.”

Victoria notes a “key component” of the legislation will be an “enforcement regime” that will target illegal sellers.

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Amendments will also be made to the Motor Vehicle Act to address drug-affected driving.

Moving forward, the legislation will be debated in the legislature prior to being finalized and passed into law. Provincial implementation timelines are dependent upon the passing of federal legalization legislation.

Victoria expects the BC Distribution Branch to open the first government-operated retail store by late summer. It is also working on an e-commerce solution to offer online sales to the public.

Federal regulation of edible cannabis products is expected to follow within a year.