It’s been a tedious process, but Quebec’s new cannabis law is finally in motion. Bill 157 was voted for by all of Premier Philippe Couillard’s Liberals, as well as Québec Solidaire.

Parti Québécois and Coalition Avenir Québec disapproved of Quebec’s cannabis laws, with the opposition voting against.

According to Public Health Minister Lucie Charlebois, the province will be prepared for the sale and distribution of cannabis when the federal legislation is passed later this year.

Charlebois drew attention to the fact that cannabis legalization in Quebec will include certain usage restrictions. Considering the fact that Quebec’s rules are among the country’s most conservative, this isn’t overly surprising.

Quebec’s new cannabis law: Where will cannabis be sold in Quebec?

Under the new cannabis laws in Quebec, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) will be responsible for overseeing the sale and distribution of cannabis. Sales, on the other hand, will be dealt with by the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC).

All SQDC-run stores and online stores will sell cannabis for purchase. Once cannabis is made legal in Quebec, online stores will be up and running. The plan is to open 20 cannabis stores by December, with 150 to 160 stores expected to open their doors over the next 2 to 3 years.

What will be sold inside Quebec’s cannabis stores?

Customers will be able to peruse and purchase cannabis in fresh, dried and concentrated form, such as cannabis oil. Prices per gram are expected to be in the $6 range.

Until the federal government includes edibles in their legalization plan, they will not be available to purchase under Quebec’s new cannabis laws. 

Can Quebecers grow their own cannabis at home?

No, despite the fact the proposed federal law permits Canadians to grow a maximum of four cannabis plants at home for personal use. The government recently rejected changes made by the Senate to amend home-growing permissions.

What are the age requirements and possession permissions in Quebec?

Cannabis consumers in Quebec must be at least 18 to legally consume the plant, whether it is in dried, fresh or concentrated form. Political party Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) wants to change this age limit to 21. No more than 150 grams of dried cannabis will be legally allowed inside the home of Quebecers, who will be limited to purchasing a maximum of 30 grams at any one time.

Cannabis use will be permitted in places where tobacco use is permitted. Consumers will not be allowed to consume cannabis on university and CEGEP grounds.

Under Quebec law, police can ask drivers for a saliva sample, should they suspect cannabis use whilst driving. In the event that a saliva sample comes back positive, the police can suspend the license for 90 days.

According to the Quebec government, its decision to legalize cannabis is not targeted towards potential profits. Rather, the law is focused on ensuring public health.