Residents in Saskatchewan will be able to purchase cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals several weeks from now.
It will take at least 60 days until the new products will be on store shelves. The federal government says the two-month window is needed in order to give manufacturers an opportunity to submit what types of products they want to make available to customers
When it comes to what will be allowed to be sold in the province, Minister responsible for Liquor and Gaming Authority Gene Makowsky said that is up to the feds.
Regulations for edibles will be similar to what the Government of Canada has already laid out for cannabis since it was legalized a year ago today. While there won’t be much room for the Saskatchewan to have massively different regulations from the federal level, Makowsky mentioned there may be minor housekeeping changes.
He believes one of the biggest tasks for the government moving forward is competing with what’s being offered on the black market.
“The black market certainly won’t be slowing down or has any regulations around it, so in order to affect that black market you want to have a reasonable supply that is available,” said Makowsky.
Another issue the government will be monitoring is making sure edibles and other products don’t fall into the hands of minors. Products won’t have any markings on them, limiting what children can see, and will be presented in special packaging.
Makowsky hopes people will be responsible in storing their items away. “There are concerns with children and pets if [the product] looks too much like something that’s non-infused or non-cannabis, so I hope users are diligent in that respect.”
Quebec has taken a different approach to the matter after they announced they are banning cannabis-based products such as brownies, candies and baked goods. Lionel Carmant, Quebec’s junior health minister, stated that they want to focus on protecting children from cannabis products that may be “attractive to minors”.
The provincial government is also wanting the public to keep a few things in mind when consuming edibles, cautioning people that they require more time to take effect, they last longer and may be more intense.
Makowsky wants people to take their time with these new items, especially if they’ve never tried them before.
“Start slow, then see the effects and how long they last,” said Makowsky. “My understanding is when you smoke it, it’s more immediate but it doesn’t last as long. Those are considerations if you have to drive later or go to work.”
Individuals can only carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent in public. However consuming any form of non-medical cannabis in public spaces is prohibited, including schools and daycares.
