Released on July 4, 2018
The Government of Saskatchewan has amended regulations to allow for the ticketing of numerous offences under The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act. Ticket amounts will range from $200 up to a maximum of $2,250 depending on the offence. Passing of these regulations is another step toward the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
Offences subject to ticketing will include:
- A $200 ticket for possessing or distributing more than 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place;
- A $200 ticket for consuming cannabis in a public place;
- A $1,000 ticket for consuming cannabis at school, on school grounds or at a child care facility;
- A $300 ticket if a minor is caught purchasing, possessing, consuming, or selling cannabis;
- A $750 ticket for anyone caught selling or giving cannabis to a minor;
- A $2,250 ticket if a permittee or employee of a retail cannabis location fails to demand proof of age and/or if a permittee sells or distributes cannabis to a minor;
- A $300 ticket for possessing, consuming or distributing cannabis in a vehicle, which will not apply if someone is transporting cannabis from a legal point of purchase to a legal point of consumption; and
- A $200 ticket for possessing or consuming cannabis in a campground when a cannabis prohibition is in effect.
These new regulations that apply to cannabis are similar to current rules regarding alcohol. The ticketing rules for cannabis under The Summary Offences Procedure (Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations, 2018, will not come into force until The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act is proclaimed this fall.
These regulations follow the release earlier this year of the Saskatchewan Cannabis Framework, which outlines a plan for the legal and responsible distribution, sale and use of cannabis in the province.
The federal government has indicated cannabis will be legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. Until that time, current laws and rules apply and cannabis for recreational purposes remains illegal.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Graham
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jennifer.graham@gov.sk.ca