Province announces framework for cannabis legalization

Prince Edward Island’s approach to legalizing and regulating cannabis will focus on helping Islanders make an informed choice while reducing the illegal market.

A new document, Cannabis Legalization: A Policy and Legislative Framework for Prince Edward Island brings together government decisions and direction. The framework is a result of extensive consultation with partners including municipalities, law enforcement, and professionals in the health, education, and justice systems. It includes information on purchasing, possessing, and consuming cannabis; education and awareness activities, impaired driving information, household cultivation and enforcement.

“Government is working diligently to promote public health and assure public safety while maintaining consistency with the region for the safe implementation of federal cannabis legalization,” Finance Minister Heath MacDonald said. “We have been working closely with local partners to ensure Islanders will be equipped with all information they need to make a fully informed choice.”

Highlights include:

• Minimum age: The minimum age to purchase, possess and use recreational cannabis will be set at 19 years of age.
• Youth possession: Provincial legislation will prohibit youth from possessing or consuming cannabis and will allow police to confiscate and destroy cannabis found in the possession of people under the age of 19. 
• Consumption of cannabis: Cannabis use will be restricted to private residences, with some exceptions for certain designated spaces. This is to limit impacts on communities and public health.

• Purchasing cannabis products: PEI will have four dedicated government-owned retail locations for cannabis sales in 2018, as well as an e-commerce platform with direct-to-home delivery. Products will include dried cannabis, cannabis oil, seeds and seedlings. The retail sites will be in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague and West Prince. Download cannabis retail job application.
• Education and awareness activities: PEI is committed to a long-term financial investment in harm reduction, education and awareness, research and surveillance.
• Impaired driving: PEI will ensure the Highway Traffic Act mirrors alcohol impaired driving roadside suspension penalties and will incorporate changes to align with the federal legislation. In addition, a new summary offence will be created in cases of impaired driving with a minor in the vehicle.
• Adult possession limit: It will be legal for a person over 19 years of age to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis (or its equivalent).
• Household cultivation: A household will be permitted to have up to four (4) cannabis plants, provided they are not accessible to minors.
• Cannabis production, processing and business: The production and processing of cannabis products will continue to be regulated through federal licensing.
   

Media Contact
Samantha Hughes
Department of Finance
shughes@gov.pe.ca