After weeks of talking about it, Quebec has finally tabled its new marijuana legislation and confirmed much of what was already reported.
Quebec Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois said it will be zero tolerance when it comes to driving high - police can ask for a saliva sample if they suspect it, and after using what she calls "approved detection measures" that turn out positive results, they can suspend your driver's licence on the spot for 90 days.
The newly created Société québécoise du cannabis (SQC) - a wing of the Quebec Liquor Board (SAQ) - will handle all sales, transport and storage. The liquor board said it will unveil the rollout in a couple of weeks. Online sales will be allowed and the SAQ said the format won't be the same as the one used for alcohol.
Only its authorized stores can sell it - 15 shops at first as of July 1, 2018- and the product can only be seen at the point of sale inside, with no advertising allowed and no one under 18 can consume or possess marijuana.
You won't be allowed to grow pot at home for personal use and the smoking restrictions in place for tobacco will apply to marijuana, such as smoking at a certain distance from
public buildings, restaurants and bars.
Charlebois said there are further precise restrictions on where you can smoke weed: no smoking in taxis, tourist accomodations, schools, CPE daycares, on campuses of CEGEPS and universities or at indoor concert, theatre and other cultural or artistic spaces.
What you need to know:
How old do you have to be to legally buy and consume marijuana?
18.
Can I grow pot at home to smoke myself?
No.
What happens if I get caught growing it at home for personal use?
Fines range from $250 to $750 for a first offence.
Where can you buy legal marijuana?
Only at outlets operated by the new Société québécoise du cannabis (SQC) or through online sales run by the SQC. Canada Post will be the authorized delivery system.
How much can I have on me?
The limit that you can have in your possession is 30g; the limit that you can have stored at home is 150g.
How much will it cost and how much tax will there be?
To be determined. They want to discuss things with neighbouring provinces and states and harmonize the price as much as possible.
Will there be someone at the shop to advise me about what to buy?
Trained advisors will be at the shop with a focus on prevention and safety.
What happens if i smoke marijuana and then drive somewhere?
There is a zero tolerance policy: if police suspect you are driving under the influence, they can ask for a saliva sample, run it through the appropriate technology or conduct a visual sobriety test, and if you fail after having consumed pot in the last four to six hours, you could have your driver's permit suspended for 90 days on the spot.
Will there be someone at the shop to advise me about what to buy?
Trained advisors will be at the shop with a focus on prevention and safety.
Can I smoke on my university campus?
Smoking marijuana is prohibited on CEGEP and university property, as well as in taxis, tourist accomodations, schools, CPE daycares, and at indoor concert, theatre and other cultural or artistic spaces. No smoking (tobacco) zones near public buildings, restaurants and bars will also apply for smoking marijuana.