Manitobans waiting to grow cannabis at home

Manitoba residents interested in growing cannabis at home received promising news recently, but they might need to wait a bit longer before they can start planting. Despite the passage of legislation that permits the cultivation of up to four cannabis plants per household, the actual implementation could take several months.

Regulations

A source within the Manitoba government shared with StratCann that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba are collaborating with the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority (LGCA). They are working diligently to craft the specific regulations that will enable residents to legally grow cannabis at home. The expectation is that these regulations will be ready “within the next six months.”

Although the legislative framework, known as Bill 34, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act, was approved on June 3, the finer details of the law remain under wraps. This act effectively overturned Manitoba’s previous prohibition on cultivating up to four cannabis plants at home.

New Laws

However, a media representative from the Manitoba government, in a communication with StratCann, mentioned that no further details on the new law are available at this moment. This is due to a media blackout imposed in relation to an ongoing bylaw election. Interestingly, government documents indicate that the bill did receive Royal Assent on June 4, a critical formal step. But receiving Royal Assent does not mean the law comes into immediate effect.

Jesse Lavoie, an activist who initially challenged Manitoba’s home grow ban through a lawsuit, expressed his thoughts on the delay. He communicated to StratCann his appreciation for the change, noting it as a progressive step away from outdated restrictions. Lavoie emphasized the importance of timely implementation, particularly to make use of the summer months for growing cannabis as intended by nature. He voiced concerns that any significant delay would perpetuate the feeling of being second-class citizens compared to other Canadians.

Following the government’s decision to lift the home grow ban, Lavoie’s organization, TobaGrown, has put their lawsuit on hold. Nevertheless, he noted that they are prepared to reactivate their legal challenge if the implementation of the law drags on excessively. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Manitoba can smoothly transition to allowing home cultivation of cannabis, aligning with the broader Canadian framework and respecting the eagerness of its citizens to engage in this activity.

Manitobans waiting to grow cannabis at home