Cannabis is a flowering plant that initially grew in Asia. Today, this plant grows in many parts of the world. It has many compounds including CBD and THC. People take these two compounds in different forms, with the prevailing one being edibles.
Cannabis edibles are candies, dried fruits, and other manufactured foods infused with the substance. Cannabis edibles were not always available in Canada, but you can now buy the edibles freely in the country due to their legalization.
Cannabis Edibles Explained
Cannabis edibles are available in a wide variety. You can get them in dried fruit form, gummies, cookies, and beverages. Dynaleo’s Sunshower gummies are a top brand in the Canadian market and they’re available in 2mg and 1mg THC doses so you can easily start low and go slow. Follow this link to view available flavours and get more information.
Cannabis CBD and THC have medicinal advantages. However, in high amounts, THC causes hyperactivity.
CBD, on the other hand, does not cause hyperactivity. The compound is known to treat various medical issues and complications like chronic pain, seizures, anxiety, depression, inflammation, and insomnia.
First Prohibition Of Cannabis In Canada
In 1923, cannabis was included in the law that prohibited opium and other drugs, including heroin and cocaine. The Canadian government did not discuss the passing of this prohibition rule, and the person that added cannabis to the list is unknown.
Cannabis was not popular in the country at the time because few people knew of it or used it. Its prohibition led to the substance’s popularity as people slowly became curious about cannabis.
The first offense of possessing cannabis in Canada occurred in 1937. Between 1923 and 1965, only 270 people got arrested for possessing cannabis. The plant continued to grow in popularity, and in the 1960s, the Le Dain Commission began to study cannabis.
The commission’s report claimed that cannabis prohibition was expensive to the government and individuals. At the time, the punishment for possessing Cannabis was six months imprisonment and a $1,000-fine.
Although the commission recommended the decriminalization of cannabis possession, the government overlooked that for decades. Even cannabis growers, sellers, and activists campaigned for reforms on cannabis to no avail.
However, even with the legalization campaigns, most people wanted the government to control the sale and distribution of the substance. The citizens feared that people below 21 would start misusing the substance after the legalization.
How Cannabis Was Legalized In Canada
The Ontario Court of Appeal, in 2000, decided that the prohibition of cannabis was not constitutional because they did not consider medical use. Health Canada regulated the use of cannabis and gave access to licensed patients to buy from licensed producers.
In 2003 and 2004, the Liberal government started legislation to allow the usage of cannabis, but their bills failed. The Conservative government banned the substance and ruled that the users and dealers be sentenced for illegal production.
In 2013, medical cannabis production was licensed. The new federal regulations for the production and distribution of the product were responsible for the licensing.
In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada lifted the restriction that prevented patients from smoking dried cannabis. Licensed producers could now make cannabis oils and edibles and other forms. The producers were also allowed to infuse cannabis in foods and drinks.
Still, in 2015, the federal government announced intentions of legalizing cannabis use, but they would regulate its sale. In 2016, the former health and justice minister led the creation of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation.
The government stated that the prohibition did not stop the youth from using cannabis. Since people were convicted for possessing the substance, cannabis prohibition only left more citizens with criminal records.
The government first ruled out the compound’s decriminalization before legalizing it. In 2018, cannabis became a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The law stated that anyone found in possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis would be fined $1,000 and serve six months in jail.
When cannabis got fully legalized in 2018, the government did not give an amnesty for previous charges. However, people charged in the past with simple possession were allowed to apply for a free pardon.
The Final Legalization Of Edibles
When the government introduced Bill C-45 in 2017, it aimed at legalizing and regulating the production and sale of cannabis. The bill was passed on October 17, 2018, making Canada the second country to legalize cannabis. The first one was Uruguay.
Recreational Cannabis also became legal for adults in nine states of the U.S. In Canada, only citizens above 18 can buy cannabis in provisionally regulated stores, but age restrictions vary by province. People cannot possess over 30 grams of dried cannabis or grow more than four cannabis plants.
New Laws After Legalization
There was a creation of a new criminal offense for those found selling cannabis to youth. The penalty is serving 14 years in prison. The law also does not allow unlicensed cannabis producers, sellers, and distributors.
Edibles, baked goods, and drinks got legalized on October 17, 2019. However, the legislature did not allow the mixing of cannabis products with alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine.
The law requires that legal sellers adhere to standards in labeling and packaging. For example, labels should have a cannabis symbol, health warning, and THC potency.
Canadians can freely access medical cannabis under Health Canada regulations. The substance is known to mitigate chronic pain, anxiety and depression, and symptoms of other health conditions such as epilepsy.
Final Words
The process of legalizing cannabis was long but worth it. Although cannabis edibles have many health benefits, they are not available in all retailers. The government regulates who can buy and sell the substance to prevent abuse of the rules.
