As part of what it calls its “first decisions” on legal weed regulation, the BC government announced today that it will set the minimum age to possess, purchase, and consume cannabis at 19 years old, once the anticipated new regulations take effect next summer.
In a release, the province said that the decision was made after considering input from 48,951 British Columbians, and submissions from 141 local and Indigenous governments this past fall on the subject.
“It’s clear that British Columbians support the priorities of protecting young people, health and safety, keeping the criminal element out of cannabis and keeping roads safe,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth.
This feedback, he added, “will guide the province in developing BC’s regulatory framework for non-medical cannabis.”
Other policy decisions include:
- Minimum age: BC will set the minimum age to possess, purchase and consume cannabis at 19 years old, which is consistent with the province’s minimum age for alcohol and tobacco and with the age of majority in BC.
- Wholesale distribution of cannabis: Like other provinces, BC will have a government-run wholesale distribution model. The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be the wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis in BC.
Farnworth said the government will continue to consider public opinions and feedback “as we further develop policy and legislation that is in the best interests of this province.”
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