A cannabis advocate on P.E.I. says, overall, she was impressed with the province’s framework released on Tuesday, although she noted there are still some areas in need of progress.
Annie MacEachern was happy to see that the province plans to create designated consumption sites outside of private dwellings, as well as give Islanders the ability to grow four plants per household as long as they are not accessible to minors.
Both were included in a new policy framework released by the province on Tuesday, Cannabis Legalization: A Policy and Legislative Framework for Prince Edward Island.
MacEachern said having designated consumption sites is important for possible cannabis tourism in P.E.I.
“I think that is a really important part of post-prohibition, so that was really big progress in my eyes. I wasn’t expecting that from the first round, I thought we might have to learn it the hard way,” said MacEachern. “Overall, I have to say I’m really impressed.”
While much of the framework was previously announced in January, new additions on Tuesday included details around home cultivation and the fact that cannabis oil, seeds and seedlings will all be sold at the province’s four retail locations.
Related: Marijuana will be sold in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague, West Prince
MacEachern said she is concerned the number of retail locations will not meet demand.
She also said impaired driving regulations are a concern for medical cannabis patients.
“The impaired driving issues are still really concerning. That’s more on the federal level, but I would I think the province has the ability to be a little more proactive,” said MacEachern. “We just have to realize this is the first time this has happened since prohibition of alcohol and it’s going to be an ongoing process. We’re going to keep learning as we go.”
A statement from the province said P.E.I.’s approach to legalizing and regulating cannabis will focus on helping Islanders make informed choices while reducing the illegal market. The province said the framework is a result of extensive consultation with partners, including municipalities, law enforcement and professionals in the health, education and justice systems.
Related: P.E.I. could see substantial economic impact through cannabis, says group
However, there are some other unanswered questions and regulations the province said were still being developed.
While Finance Minister Heath MacDonald was not available for an interview with The Guardian, a spokesperson for the department responded to a number of questions.
The spokesperson said the number of employees being hired for retail stores is still being worked out and hiring is expected to happen 30 to 60 days before stores open.
The spokesperson said the designated spaces for consumption are still being developed and that the province does not intend to designate bars or restaurants “at this early stage.”
With consumption being restricted to private residences and designated spaces, the department confirmed apartment units and condos would be considered private residences.
In terms of home cultivation, The Guardian asked the province if restricting access to minors would require growing plants in a locked room, as well as whether individuals could grow plants outdoors if they have children.
The province said those details are still being developed.
At a glance
Here’s a look at P.E.I.’s policy framework for cannabis legalization:
- A household will be permitted to have up to four cannabis plants, provided they are not accessible to minors
- P.E.I.’s four government-owned retail locations will sell dried cannabis, cannabis oil, seeds and seedlings. Those retail sites will be in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague and West Prince. There will also be an e-commerce platform with direct-to-home delivery
- Cannabis retail job application forms can be found at http://liquorpei.com/careers/career-opportunities
- P.E.I. will ensure the Highway Traffic Act mirrors alcohol impaired driving roadside suspension penalties and will incorporate changes to align with federal legislation. A new summary offence will be created in cases of impaired driving with a minor in the vehicle
- People over 19 years of age will be able to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis or its equivalent in oil
- Cannabis use will be restricted to private residences, with some exceptions for certain designated spaces in order to limit impacts on communities and public health
- The minimum age to purchase, possess and use recreational cannabis will be set at 19 years of age. Provincial legislation will prohibit youth from possessing or consuming cannabis and will allows police to confiscate and destroy cannabis found in possession of minors
