The amended Cannabis Regulations comes into effect on October 17, 2019, meaning that the legal sales of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals will begin shortly thereafter in accordance with the requirements of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. But what does that mean for you? Get your answers below.

What products are being introduced? 

The new regulations will give authorized distributors and retailers access to three new classes of cannabis products:

  • Edibles (candy, baked goods)
  • Cannabis extracts
  • Cannabis “topicals” (ointments, oils, makeup)

Cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages and cannabis products containing tobacco, nicotine or caffeine will be prohibited. Some goods with low amounts of naturally occurring caffeine, such as chocolate, will be permitted.

What will be available on October 17? 

Nothing. Although the law goes into effect, according to Health Canada, federal cannabis license holders must provide Health Canada with a 60 day notice of their intent to sell the new products. That means that the earliest edibles will be available in stores is December 17. The majority of new cannabis products are expected to roll out in 2020.

Health Canada said in a statement that, “As with any new regulatory framework, federally licensed processors will need time to become familiar with and prepare to comply with the new rules and to produce new products. Provincially or territorially authorized distributors and retailers will also need time to purchase and obtain the new products and make them available for sale.”

Will there be different levels of THC? 

The rule moving forward dictates that edible cannabis, whether food or beverage, will have a maximum allowance of 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol – the compound known as THC which produces the high – per package. Cannabis intended to be inhaled or used topically will continue to have a cap of 1000 milligrams of THC per package.

What’s the deal with packaging? 

All packaging will be plain, child resistant and unappealing to younger people.

Can’t I buy edibles already? Why is this regulation being introduced? 

Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair said, “I’ve heard from the industry and people say, ‘You know, we could make more money if you did this or relaxed these regulations.’ But quite frankly, that’s not our motivation. Our motivation is, and will always be, to protect our kids, protect health and safety of Canadians, to keep our communities safe and displace that illicit market that has developed over decades in this country.”

“We are replacing those illegal products, those far riskier products, with a safer product, with a regulated product,” he said.

The sad news; edibles won’t be available until December 17. The good news; you get to partake just in time to get through the holidays.