Anyone 19 years old and up will be able to buy recreational marijuana in B.C. as soon as Ottawa legalizes it next July.
The province announced it would set the legal minimum age at 19, in line with alcohol and tobacco.
Just like alcohol, wholesale distribution of recreational pot will be handled by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. It will be sold by both public and private retailers.
“Looking at the responses received, 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 Mike Farnworth.
The province kicked off several weeks of public consultation in late September and released Tuesday’s recommendations following input from nearly 50,000 British Columbians, and submissions from 141 local and Indigenous governments.
Farnworth assured reporters at the start of consultation that the government was doing everything it could to finish its work by the July deadline.
VIDEO: B.C. to consult public on marijuana legalization
The federal bill to legalize and regulate marijuana, introduced in early 2017, received final approval in the House of Commons last week.
It now moves to the Senate, where it is likely to face heavy opposition from Conservatives who argue legalization should be delayed because the process is being rushed.
Further details on the rules for recreational pot in B.C. won’t be released until early 2018.
Farnworth was expected to provide more details on the just-announced regulations later on Tuesday.
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