In Canada, edible cannabis sales may have to wait a year after social cannabis legalization, which is set to happen in July 2018.

After a vote by the Canadian House of Commons Health Committee, edible sales will be not allowed until July 2019. When social cannabis becomes legal, only dried cannabis, cannabis oil, fresh cannabis, and cannabis seeds will be available for sale initially. But the legalization of edible products such as cannabis-infused baked goods will be regulated at a later date.

The delay in introducing edibles in the market comes as people are concerned about the potency of the products, and they do not have enough knowledge on how they work.

Some people may eat more than the recommended quantity when they do not experience immediate effects, jumping into potential health risks and harms.

Where some are advocating a delay, others think edibles may help to take a step back from the black market. Ryan Vandrey, a John Hopkins University professor, questioned the idea that edibles are supposed to be stronger than smoking cannabis. He added the difference lies in the time course of the effects.

“I would disagree in the argument that you can’t perceive the intoxication when you eat it. People are very aware that they’re intoxicated,” Vandrey told the committee.

Despite the decision in delaying the sales of edibles, a new survey has shown younger Canadians are very interested in trying cannabis products. Among the people surveyed, 29 percent said they plan to try edibles when cannabis becomes legal. The numbers were lower with older respondents.

Recently, another study led by Dalhousie University found 46 percent of Canadians would be willing to try cannabis-infused food products, from baked goods, oils and spices if they were commercially available. The survey also found 39 percent of respondents would consider ordering a dish made with cannabis at a restaurant, but most would not know how to cook with cannabis at home.