YG Releases Recreational Marijuana Use Framework

Monday, 20 November 2017 12:11

Terms limits to 30 grams in possession and to grow four plants per household

Yukoners over the age of 19 will be able to buy recreational marijuana in at least one brick and mortar location, most likely in Whitehorse and through a Yukon driven e-commerce site, starting next July.

The territorial government released its framework today, outlining how it will move forward with the legalization of cannabis. Under the framework, the public will be able to purchase 30 grams of marijuana and be able to grow a maximum of four plants per household.

Justice Minister Tracy McPhee (Riverdale South) says the Yukon will solely control the recreational marijuana business. “Providing a government lead distribution system, in which the government of Yukon will have the sole authority to import, warehouse, transport and otherwise distribute recreational cannabis for Yukon for commercial purposes.” “The framework provides for prohibiting the sale cannabis in retail locations that sell alcohol.” McPhee is citing the break from selling liquor and marijuana together out of concern for youth, with Laura Lang, a senior policy analyst for the department of Health and Social Services says it goes against best practices and raises great concern.

As for allowing for private retailers to sell marijuana, McPhee says the government needs more time to develop those regulations. “Our approach acknowledges the need for additional time to develop regulations, including a licensing system for private retail, that will reflect Yukon's interests and values.”

The government admits to a lot of unanswered questions, as to the location of the lone retail store, local taxation and where the cannabis will be warehoused. Consumption of cannabis will be restricted to a dwelling with owner’s permission. “The new act would limit recreational consumption to privately owned residences and adjoining property, where permitted by the owner, while providing for the potential to allow consumption in other spaces in the future.” States the framework.

McPhee was clear that the government’s main objective is to decrease the illegal marijuana industry. Yet the legislation, expected to be presented to lawmakers, next spring, will have provisions to allow First Nations and municipalities some say over marijuana use. Old Crow has an alcohol prohibition under an Order-in-Council, but Leslie McCullough, Deputy Minister of Justice says the legislation would allow municipalities to participate. “In terms of Old Crow, [alcohol prohibition] is actually an Order-in-Council under Yukon's Liquor Act. We would anticipate that our legislation is going to be enabling in nature so that option may well be there as well.”

(Dan Jones Whitehorse, Nov. 20, 2017)