SQDC Cannabis stores – The launch of legal marijuana is here. In Quebec, at 10:00am Wednesday October 17th 2018, SQDC Cannabis stores will have officially opened across the province – as well as the online sales website (information will be found at the SAQ website at www.saq.com or at https://infocannabis.saq.com/en ).
But what does that mean for users or for that matter, non-users? There is still much confusion, with all the different rules from province to province – and even from city to city. Given some time, most of the questions and issues will be addressed, some bylaws will be challenged in court, as everyone adjusts to the reality that using cannabis is now a legal right in this country – as long as one is of legal age. There will be a ‘honeymoon’ period of course. Some people are expected to light up in celebration and smoke themselves silly with abandon, disregarding those around them. Others will show more restraint, responsibly using the product and showing respect by making sure the pungent smoke stays far enough away from others. For now, here is what Montrealers should know.
Legal marijuana is here
SQDC STORES – OPEN 7 DAYS WEEK 10:00AM – 9:00PM:
– 6872 St. Hubert Street
– 970 Ste. Catherine Street West (Corner of Peel)
– 9250 L’Acadie Boulevard
– 830 Ste. Catherine Street East – *Note only opening sometime during the month of October.
PRODUCT SALES AND PRICES:
– Stores and online sales will offer dried cannabis (whole and ground), pre-rolled joints, oil and oral spray as well as THC and CBD gel capsules. Edibles won’t be available as they aren’t part of the federal government’s initial legalization plan.
– Detailed pricing has not yet been announced – but it is expected that many products will be available at $7.00 per gram. *Individuals are not allowed to have more than 150 grams in their homes. Sales will be restricted to 30 grams at a time.
ONLINE SALES & DELIVERY:
– The same delivery safeguards that now exist for online beverage alcohol sales will also apply to online cannabis sales and includes the following precautions: ID and age checks and the buyer’s signature on delivery, no packages left unattended at the door or delivered to a person other than the buyer.
LEGAL AGE:
– Right now in Quebec, one needs to be 18 years old, but the new CAQ government is promising to raise the age to 21.
GROWING YOUR OWN CANNABIS:
– Quebecers will NOT be allowed to grow cannabis plants in their homes, even though the Federal Law allows Canadians to have up to four plants at home for personal use. It is expected to be challenged in court.
WHERE CANNABIS CAN BE SMOKED (This is the most controversial and challenging area):
– In general, smoking cannabis will be prohibited in the same locations as those set out by tobacco laws, as well as on University, CEGEP, Hospital and Schools grounds. But many cities and boroughs across the province have set their own bylaws, basically not allowing it anywhere in public, pretty much rendering the whole idea of legalization useless and possibly causing increased health problems by forcing users indoors. Even the new CAQ government wants to ban it everywhere in public. It is expected to be challenged in court.
– Some Quebec landlords and condo owners have already banned smoking cannabis in their rental properties with many others planning plan to ban it inside their buildings as well.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE:
– There is no free ride here, be smart and act responsibly.
– Close to 2,000 police officers in Montreal have been trained in Roadside Detection Tests – with 500 to 600 more expected to be trained. They will have the option of using a new drug testing device, although it still unclear on how practical it is and how it will be used.
As Canada lights up, let’s hope it is respected by all and used in a responsible manner.
