Ontario seeking public input on Federal Plan to Legalize Cannabis

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The province is asking for your thoughts on how Ontario should approach cannabis legalization in a way that protects youth, prevents harm and ensures that Ontario’s roads continue to be among the safest in North America.

In April 2017, the federal government introduced the Cannabis Act, which, if passed, will legalize and regulate cannabis across Canada by July 2018. The federal plan calls on the provinces and territories to establish a framework to regulate the distribution, sale and consumption of cannabis, among other matters.

Starting today, people across the province can have their say on important decisions related to the legalization of cannabis by participating in an online survey. Individuals and organizations will also be able to give their input by completing a consultation paper. To participate, visit ontario.ca/cannabis before July 31.

The Ontario Legalization of Cannabis Secretariat will also host a series of expert forums and engagement sessions this summer on the potential impacts of cannabis legalization. The province will hear from a broad range of participants including municipal partners, public health experts, law enforcement, community agencies, youth advocates, Indigenous communities and licenced producers.

The federal government has also introduced a bill that would, if passed, update the Criminal Code to include tougher penalties for drug-impaired driving, including impairment by cannabis and other drugs. Ontario recently made changes to allow police to immediately remove drivers from the road who they believe are impaired by drugs, including cannabis.

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