Question Period Note: Cannabis

Since its coming into force on October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act has created a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada.
The legislation is designed to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the pockets of organized crime by fostering a robust legal and regulated industry.

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 illicit market.
Since legalization, rates of use among youth have not changed significantly, and more Canadians who consume cannabis are purchasing from legal retailers.
Health Canada has launched an independent review of the legislation, led by a panel of respected experts, to examine the progress made towards achieving the Act's objectives and identify priority areas for improvement.
IF PRESSED ON THE LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF THE CANNABIS ACT …
On September 22, 2022, our Government launched an independent legislative review, which will assess the progress made towards achieving the Act’s objectives.
The Expert Panel is engaging with the public, stakeholders and Indigenous groups to gather evidence and perspectives on the Government’s progress.
The review will be inclusive, and is focused particularly on the health and cannabis consumption habits of young persons, the impact of cannabis on Indigenous persons and communities, and the impact of the cultivation of cannabis plants in a housing context.
IF PRESSED ON COMPLAINTS REGARDING PERSONAL PRODUCTION WITH A HEALTH CANADA AUTHORIZATION …
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 illicit market or activity.
As of July 31, 2023, Health Canada has refused or revoked over 2,186 registrations under the Cannabis Regulations, including over 1,575 for reasons of public health and public safety
IF PRESSED ON NON-COMPLIANT EDIBLE CANNABIS PRODUCTS THAT EXCEED THE REGULATORY LIMIT FOR THC …
The Cannabis Act and its regulations were designed first and foremost to protect public health and public safety.
Health Canada is aware of non-compliance regarding edible cannabis products with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) quantities that exceed the allowable 10 mg per container limit.
Health Canada is working with regulated parties to resolve these issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
As this matter is currently before the courts, Health Canada will not be commenting on this specific situation.
IF PRESSED ON ILLEGAL CANNABIS PRODUCTS TARGETED AT YOUTH…
The Cannabis Act aims to protect youth from the risks of cannabis, including by restricting promotion; prohibiting products and packaging appealing to youth; and setting THC limits.
Illegal edible cannabis often mimics common snacks, and candy and may contain harmful levels of contaminants and dangerously high levels of THC.
The Act gives law enforcement tools to crackdown on illegal sales, including those targeting youth.
Health Canada continues to educate Canadians, so they understand the difference between legal and illegal cannabis and the health and safety risks.

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The legal cannabis market continues to displace the illicit market. According to Statistics Canada data, the legal share of the value of cannabis consumed has steadily increased to 71% in the first quarter of 2023, compared to just 9% prior to legalization.