Statement on the Government of Québec's plan for the Regulation of Cannabis

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Cannabis Canada, and the licenced producers of medical cannabis that it represents, share Province's commitment to ensuring adult Quebecers have access to safe, regulated cannabis products and support the Government's decision to make clear its intentions regarding the distribution and retail of adult-use cannabis.

Clarity of intention will assist all participants in the market to prepare for the introduction of adult-use cannabis in 2018.

We hope that the Government of Quebec will allow for private retail sales alongside government owned stores. A competitive market model would provide the Province with a predictable, low-risk revenue stream without the taxpayer burdens of upfront capital expenditure exposure and operational risk. With a public-sector role in governance, such a hybrid model still offers best in class safety and security while delivering the advantages of competition to Quebecers: better quality and selection and lower costs, thus minimizing the appeal of the black market ? all at no cost to the taxpayer.

Cannabis Canada encourages Quebec to consider direct producer to consumer e-commerce alongside government-operated online sales. Since 2013, Canada's Licensed Producers of Medical Cannabis, large and small, have been effective partners in the establishment of a strict, well-regulated system for the production and distribution of medical cannabis that is the envy of the world.

Expanding the existing and successful e-commerce mail-based distribution and retail of medical cannabis by Licensed Producers to include adult-use cannabis is an efficient solution.

The existing system already includes a proven, strict and rigorous identification and age verification process during the sale and at the time of delivery. Seed-to-sale tracking measures prevent diversion and permit ongoing data collection, to help the Government of Quebec monitor the impact of the new framework and to support data-driven decisions on future retail locations.

About Cannabis Canada Association

Cannabis Canada is the leading organization of Canada's Licensed Producers of Medical Cannabis under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).

The Association's mission is to act as the national voice for our members in their promotion of industry standards; support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry; and serve as an important resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.

Members of Cannabis Canada share a philosophy of both patient-centric care and improved public health, and are committed to product safety and quality, secure and reliable access and the promotion of the safe and healthful use of cannabis. 

Website: www.cann-can.ca

SOURCE Cannabis Canada Association