Cannabis

Nunavut’s territorial cannabis legislation consists of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Statutes Amendments Act.  Both were passed on June 13, 2018 (https://www.nunavutlegislation.ca/en/statutes-of-nunavut/2018).

Cannabis Act:

The majority of the provisions of the Cannabis Act come into force on the same day as federal  legislation comes into force – which is expected to be in October 2018.  Generally, this Act allows Nunavut to regulate the use and distribution of cannabis for those Nunavummiut who are 19 years of age and older.

More specifically, the Cannabis Act:

• Allows the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission to sell cannabis remotely (on-line and by phone), in physical stores, and through an Agent
• Allows the GN to licence establishments that sell cannabis, including stores and lounges.;
• Requires community consultations before opening a cannabis store or lounge;
• Allows for regulation of cannabis cultivation, but does not expressly forbid it; and,
• Establishes an inspection, search and seizure regime.

The GN actively consulted with Nunavummiut - reaching out to many stakeholders with consultations and surveys.  Nunavummiut gave clear feedback that the goals of this Act are to:

• Protect the health and safety of Nunavummiut, especially minors;
• Provide for the safe distribution of cannabis to adults;
• Combat the illegal market for cannabis; and,
• Increase awareness of the risks associated with cannabis.

Cannabis Statutes Amendment Act

This Act amends miscellaneous pieces of existing territorial legislation to include cannabis considerations. For example, restrictions on smoking tobacco are extended to smoking cannabis as well.

This Act will also come into force when the federal cannabis legislation comes into force.