On top of the Canadian Cannabis Laws listed in the Cannabis Act, provinces also have their own laws and regulations to help govern the productions, usage, distribution, packaging, and sales of cannabis and cannabis-related products and services within their province.
In Manitoba, lawmakers passed The Liquor Gaming & Cannabis Control Act to define outlines for both the industry and legal consumers. Manitobans of legal age can purchase cannabis from the government’s private sector retail model.
Consumption and Possession of Cannabis in Manitoba
In Manitoba, the minimum age for cannabis purchases and consumption is 19 years old. Anyone 19 or older is allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis if they do not have a medical cannabis prescription.
Cannabis consumption throughout Manitoba is currently restricted to private residences and homes. Any public spaces such as parks, streets, restaurants, and more are prohibited. Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly illegal and will result in punishments in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act. Law enforcement in Manitoba has the ability to use a saliva drug test to screen drivers who may be under the influence. When driving or transporting cannabis in Manitoba, it must be sealed in a closed package, within the legal limit amount, and out of reach of the driver and passengers.
Cultivation & Growing Cannabis Plants in Manitoba
Growing medical cannabis is the only legal option for Manitobans to grow their own plants. Apollo assists all Canadians in obtaining and registering their ACMPR Personal Production (Grow Your Own) License with Health Canada. In order to legally grow medical cannabis in Canada, you must:
(1) be over the age of 19
(2) have no prior cannabis convictions
(3) be prescribed medical cannabis by a physician
(4) fill out and submit an application to Health Canada
Manitoba Workplaces & Cannabis
The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation for Alcohol and Drug Consumption requires employers to take all reasonable steps to ensure a worker does not work while impaired.
This can include anything from alcohol, fatigue, and mental health. Workers have the obligation to perform their job safely and are expected to cooperate with their employer by reporting known impairment to ensure a safe work environment. If cannabis is prescribed for a disabling medical condition, or if the worker has an addiction to cannabis, the employer must accommodate the worker up to undue hardship. Accommodation could include moving the worker from a safety-sensitive position to a non-safety-sensitive position, or working with the worker, a union representative (if applicable) and a medical professional to look at alternative treatments that do not cause impairment.
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