Notice: Consultation on the Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning Cannabis Research and Testing and Cannabis Beverages and the Order Amending Schedule 3 of the Cannabis Act
Health Canada has heard concerns from stakeholders related to non-therapeutic research on cannabis and cannabis testing as well as the public possession limit for cannabis beverages.
To address these concerns, Health Canada is proposing regulatory amendments that would:
- Create a new framework under the Cannabis Regulations to facilitate non-therapeutic research on cannabis involving human participants with appropriate, risk-based regulatory controls;
- Facilitate cannabis testing by allowing analytical testing licence holders and government laboratories to produce, distribute and sell reference standards and test kits;
- Expand the acceptable educational qualifications for the Head of Laboratory position required for analytical testing licence holders; and,
- Increase the public possession limit for cannabis beverages by amending Schedule 3 to the Cannabis Act.
The proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 12, 2022, which initiated a 45-day consultation period from March 12, 2022 to April 25, 2022. All input received through the public consultation will be used to inform the development of the final regulations.
We remain committed to ensuring that the interests of Indigenous peoples are considered throughout the implementation of the Cannabis Act and its regulations. Health Canada welcomes the views of Indigenous peoples with respect to cannabis research and testing, and cannabis beverages. The Department will continue to engage and work closely with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities across the country to help ensure the specific interests of Indigenous peoples are carefully considered.
As part of our commitment to transparency with the regulatory consultation process, the Government of Canada is piloting a new feature on the Canada Gazette, Part I webpage that makes it more convenient for stakeholders to submit and view comments on proposed regulations.
To provide your feedback using the system, simply use the text boxes provided on the Canada Gazette, Part I.
Note that your comments will be posted on the Canada Gazette website following the end of the consultation. More information about the system is available on the Canada Gazette webpage.
Regulatory Affairs
Strategic Policy, Cannabis
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
cannabis.consultation@hc-sc.gc.ca