The Newfoundland and Labrador government has released their provincial cannabis regulations, setting the legal purchase age at 19 and allowing private businesses to sell to consumers. The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation will distribute products to retailers, set prices, issue industry licenses, and set fees. Neither public consumption nor co-location with alcohol is permitted under the rules.
In the event that private companies are not interested in operating in a certain area the NLLC “may fill this role.”
In a statement, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball called legalization a “significant policy change” for the province and indicated the provincial rules with take into account “the unique characteristics of Newfoundland and Labrador with an emphasis on public safety and health.”
Tom Osborne, minister of finance and president of the Treasury Board, indicated in the press release, that he believes the federal government’s proposed 50/50 sharing of cannabis tax revenues is “inadequate” and plans to press federal officials “for a more equitable arrangement aligned with actual cost burdens.”
Newfoundland and Labrador joins Quebec, Alberta, and New Brunswick in unveiling provincial rules for the forthcoming legal cannabis industry. The federal legalization bill passed the House of Commons earlier this week and will next be considered by the Senate.