Question Period Note: Cannabis

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KEY MESSAGES
• Since 2018, our Government has implemented a robust public health approach to keeping cannabis out of the hands of youth and ensuring adults have access to a quality-controlled and regulated supply, while reducing the illegal market.
• Since legalization, more Canadians who consume cannabis are purchasing from legal retailers.
• The Government continues to regularly communicate with Canadians about the health risks associated with cannabis and its use.
IF PRESSED
Q1 : If pressed on the legislative review of the Cannabis Act
A1 :
• The formal legislative review process came to an end when the Government tabled the final report in Parliament on March 21, 2024.
• Health Canada, in collaboration with other implicated stakeholders, is working to implement the Expert Panel’s recommendations by considering them in the development of future policy and programs.
• The Panel’s findings will help inform Health Canada’s ongoing efforts to improve the operation and administration of Canada’s cannabis control framework.
• In March 2025, Health Canada addressed a number of recommendations through amendments to the Cannabis Regulations aimed at reducing regulatory and administrative burden on the cannabis industry.
Q2 : If pressed on pharmacy distribution of cannabis for medical purposes (recommendation 42)
A2 :
• The 2024 Cannabis Act legislative review report recommended permitting access to cannabis for medical purposes through pharmacies.
• The cannabis framework establishes that provinces and territories, not the federal government, are best placed to oversee the retail distribution and sale of cannabis, both for medical and non-medical purposes.
• Provinces and territories are able to permit pharmacies to distribute cannabis for medical purposes, should they feel this is appropriate in their own jurisdictions.
Q3 : If pressed on complaints regarding personal production with a Health Canada authorization or on limiting the number of personal or designated production registrations (recommendation 48)
A3 :
• Health Canada continues to take action to strengthen oversight and reduce the risk of abuse of the program.
• Under the Cannabis Regulations, Health Canada may refuse or revoke a registration on public health or public safety grounds, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illegal market or activity.
• As of March 31, 2025, Health Canada has refused or revoked over 4,100 registrations under the Cannabis Regulations, including approximately 3,400 for reasons of public health and public safety.
Q4 : If pressed on protecting youth from the risks of cannabis
A4 :
• The Cannabis Act aims to protect youth from the risks of cannabis, including restricting promotion; prohibiting products and packaging appealing to youth; and setting THC limits.
• Health Canada continues to update cannabis public education programs, such as Get the Facts, Pursue Your Passion, and All About Cannabis, to educate youth and young adults on the risks associated with cannabis use.
• The Department updated its Cannabis Health Warning Messages to help inform Canadians about the risks associated with cannabis use, including messages on the risks associated with cannabis use in youth.
Q5 : If pressed on the rise in paediatric cannabis poisonings
A5 :
• Health Canada is concerned about potential harms to children who accidentally consume cannabis.
• The Department has issued multiple public advisories on how to recognize and react to accidental cannabis consumption and poisoning.
• Health Canada continues to expand its public education campaigns and has updated its Cannabis Health Warning Messages about accidental cannabis poisonings in children.
• Health Canada continues to educate Canadians through outreach efforts to healthcare providers and educators and continues to monitor reports of adverse reactions to cannabis.
Q6 : If pressed on the use of QR codes on cannabis products
A6 :
• In March 2025, Health Canada amended the Cannabis Regulations to permit QR codes on cannabis product labels/packages to convey factual information to cannabis consumers, within existing restrictions. Information via QR codes must not appeal to youth, promote a lifestyle, for example one of glamour, recreation, vitality, or daring; or make health claims.
• This change responds to the recommendations of the Expert Panel that completed the legislative review of the Cannabis Act. Other recent amendments include simplified cannabinoid labelling requirements and use of peel-back labels and inserts.

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KEY STATS
The legal cannabis market continues to displace the illegal market. According to Statistics Canada, in the second quarter of 2025, 73% of household expenditures on cannabis were in the legal market, compared to just 9% prior to legalization.