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Feds to look at public-health impact of cannabis legalization in mandated review

The Liberals lifted a century-long prohibition on the recreational use and sale of cannabis in October 2018, with the provision that they review the law three years after to comes into force
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Cannabis buds lay along a drying rack at the CannTrust Niagara Greenhouse Facility in Fenwick, Ont., on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Federal ministers are expected to launch a long-awaited review of the government's cannabis legislation today. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

OTTAWA — Federal ministers are expected to launch a long-awaited review of the government's cannabis legislation today.

The Liberals lifted a century-long prohibition on the recreational use and sale of cannabis in October 2018, with the provision that they review the law three years after to comes into force. 

That review is nearly one year overdue.

The legislation dictates that the federal government must investigate the impact of legalization on public health, youth consumption and Indigenous persons and communities.

The review will also look at the cultivation of cannabis in homes. 

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett must present a report to the House of Commons and Senate within 18 months of the launch of the review. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2022. 

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press


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