Canada’s Intellectual Property Firm

Health Canada reports on public feedback from consultations on the proposed approach to regulation of cannabis

Bill C-45, An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts (“Cannabis Act”) is currently before the Senate with a vote expected no later than June 7, 2018 (see Introduction of the Cannabis Act: Questions and Answers). The Government intends to publish final regulations as soon as possible following Royal Assent of the Cannabis Act. Rather than pre-publishing draft regulations, the Government released regulatory proposals by way of a consultation paper (previously reported). On March 19, 2018, Health Canada announced the release of its report entitled “Proposed Approach to the Regulation of Cannabis: Summary of Comments Received During the Public Consultation”. The report provides a summary of comments received on the consultation paper, including on matters such as licences, permits and authorizations, security clearances, a national Cannabis Tracking System, cannabis products, packaging and labelling and cannabis for medical purposes, and also provides additional details on the proposed regulation in these and other areas.