The Manitoba government has announced its intention to lift the ban on homegrown recreational cannabis. This move would bring Manitoba in line with the majority of provinces and territories in Canada, which have already legalized home cultivation of cannabis for personal use. Quebec currently remains the only province with such a restriction.
The change in policy was welcomed by Jesse Lavoie, an activist who challenged the ban in court but was unsuccessful. Lavoie has indicated that he will suspend his appeal if the ban is lifted.
A bill to enact the change is expected to be introduced in the coming days. However, the timeline for its passage into law is uncertain. The NDP government has several other bills that have yet to be introduced and has yet to begin detailed budget hearings, which can last several weeks.
The legalization of homegrown cannabis in Manitoba is seen as a positive step towards aligning the province with the federal Cannabis Act, which permits adults to possess and cultivate cannabis for non-medical purposes. Advocates for cannabis legalization have long argued that home cultivation is a safer and more cost-effective way for individuals to access cannabis.
The Manitoba government’s decision to lift the ban on homegrown cannabis is a significant development in the ongoing legalization of cannabis in Canada. It is expected that the change will be well-received by many Manitobans and will contribute to the growing acceptance of cannabis as a mainstream substance.
