IN THE LEDGE – Cannabis bills will set age, driving, distribution laws

BILL 30 — CANNABIS CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT

The new bill outlining provincial regulations affecting the legalization of marijuana was introduced today by Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. It will be debated in the Legislature next week. Here’s the excerpt from Hansard:

M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce Bill 30, the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. This bill establishes the provincial regulatory regime for the possession, sale, supply and production of non-medical cannabis in B.C.

It establishes a licensing scheme for private cannabis retailers, as well as training and registration requirements for cannabis workers.

It establishes a minimum age of 19, and it sets restrictions on the possession, public use and cultivation of cannabis by adults.

Further, the bill establishes a comprehensive compliance and enforcement regime for both licensed cannabis retailers and illegal sellers.

This bill represents a balanced response to the federal government’s decision to legalize non-medical cannabis. It reflects the feedback we have received from stakeholders, Indigenous and local governments, and tens of thousands of British Columbians.

And it reflects our government’s goals of prioritizing the health and safety of British Columbians, protecting children and youth, reducing crime in the illegal market, and supporting economic development opportunities in our province.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting after today.

Motion approved.

Bill 30, Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

BILL 31 — CANNABIS DISTRIBUTION ACT

M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Cannabis Distribution Act.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce Bill 31, the Cannabis Distribution Act, 2018. Working together with Bill 30, the Cannabis Licensing and Control Act, the Cannabis Distribution Act, 2018, establishes a public wholesale distribution regime for non-medical cannabis in British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Motion approved.

Bill 31, Cannabis Distribution Act, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

BILL 17 — MOTOR VEHICLE AMENDMENT ACT, 2018

M. Farnworth presented a message from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor: a bill intituled Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be introduced and read a first time now.

I am pleased to introduce Bill 17, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018. This bill proposes amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act that will make B.C. roads safer by enhancing the provincial administrative framework for drugs and driving. One significant change in this bill would restrict new drivers, those in the graduated licensing program, for operating a motor vehicle with any THC in their system.

Another important change will establish a new 90-day administrative driving prohibition for drivers who operate a motor vehicle while affected by a drug or a combination of a drug and alcohol.

These amendments represent a first phase of changes to detect and deter drug-affected driving in this province. But make no mistake. While further changes will surely come before this House in the near future as research evolves and new technologies become available, the laws to address drugs and driving in B.C. and the country are getting a lot tougher. This bill provides a strong foundation to deter drug-affected driving and increase safety on B.C. roads, a foundation that we believe strikes the right balance between public safety and administrative fairness.

Mr. Speaker: The question is first reading of the bill.

Motion approved.

Hon. M. Farnworth: I move that the bill be placed on the orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Bill 17, Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2018, introduced, read a first time and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today.

Source: BC Hansard.