Manitoba cannabis rules have been released by the province. The rules center on cannabis consumption when legalization arrives on October 17th.
Importantly, breaking these rules will incur fines and those details have also been released.
So what are the cannabis fines? Let's take a look!
Manitoba Cannabis Rules
The government has published the list of cannabis fines, broken down by offense in preparation for adult-use cannabis.
The Progressive conservative cabinet has approved the new regulations, which have drawn some criticism due to the heavy penalties; if you break the rules on cannabis consumption, you will face fines of up to $2,542. That's quite a large sum of money.
The three main areas of fining are as follows.
Public Smoking
Smoking marijuana in a provincial park or campsite will get you a fine $672. In fact, smoking is restricted in virtually all public places, inclusive of beaches and sidewalks. The fine for breaking this rule can be a figure anywhere up to $672.
However, there is no ban on edible cannabis products, except for when driving vehicles and boats, and on school grounds.
The province rules mainly focus on smoking or vaping and are far more lenient towards other forms of cannabis consumption.
Underage Consumption
The same fine of $672 is given if you are under 19 and caught smoking cannabis or with it on your person. (What 18-year-old has a $672 to spare?)
Growing Cannabis
To grow cannabis in the home and supply or sell cannabis without a license, will incur the biggest fine—$2,542.
The federal government has fought to have homegrown marijuana allowed, but Manitoba and Quebec have resisted this move and decided to restrict it. Manitoba, in particular, believes it to be a safer option as it will ensure children can't gain access to the drug in the home.
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Criticism
As stated, the fining system has drawn criticism: "I would say that it is highly motivated by the amount of dollars that this current government is going to be able to get from the process of legalized cannabis," said Nahanni Fontaine, NDP justice critic, who continued: "The Pallister government has attached all kinds of fines to what is considered legal."
So stay on your toes in Manitoba unless you like rooting through your piggy-bank for hundreds of dollars of fine payments.
Featured Image: Deposit Photos/selensergen
