Cannabis Control Act

c t CANNABIS CONTROL ACT PLEASE NOTE This document, prepared by the Legislative Counsel Office, is an office consolidation of this Act, current to August 1, 2023. It is intended for information and reference purposes only. This document is not the official version of the Act. The Act and the amendments as printed under the authority of the King’s Printer for the province should be consulted to determine the authoritative statement of the law. For more information concerning the history of this Act, please see the Table of Public Acts on the Prince Edward Island Government web site (www.princeedwardisland.ca). If you find any errors or omissions in this consolidation, please contact: Legislative Counsel Office Tel: (902) 368-4292 Email: legislation@gov.pe.ca Cannabis Control Act Table of Contents c CANNABIS CONTROL ACT Table of Contents Section Page PART I - INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION 5 1. Definitions................................................................................................................................................ 5 2. Act not applicable .................................................................................................................................... 6 PART II – ADMINISTRATION 7 3. Minister’s authority .................................................................................................................................. 7 4. Approved program ................................................................................................................................... 7 5. Appointment by Minister ......................................................................................................................... 7 6. Certificate of appointment........................................................................................................................ 7 PART III - PROHIBITIONS RESPECTING CANNABIS 8 7. Possession ................................................................................................................................................ 8 8. Storage ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 9. Distribution and sale ................................................................................................................................ 8 10. Purchase ................................................................................................................................................... 8 11. Gift ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 12. Definitions................................................................................................................................................ 8 13. Consumption - general ............................................................................................................................. 9 14. Consumption – vehicle ........................................................................................................................... 10 15. Cannabis in vehicle or boat .................................................................................................................... 10 16. Application of Smoke-free Places Act .................................................................................................... 10 17. Provision to intoxicated, impaired person .............................................................................................. 10 18. Display ................................................................................................................................................... 11 19. Promotion ............................................................................................................................................... 11 20. Prohibition.............................................................................................................................................. 11 PART IV – INSPECTION 11 21. Inspection ............................................................................................................................................... 11 22. Assistance from police officer ............................................................................................................... 12 23. Prohibition - hindering or obstructing .................................................................................................... 12 24. Assistance by other persons ................................................................................................................... 12 25. Responsibility of occupant, etc. ............................................................................................................. 12 26. Onus on person claiming exemption ...................................................................................................... 13 PART V - ENFORCEMENT 13 27. Investigation ........................................................................................................................................... 13 28. Application to court ............................................................................................................................... 14 29. Immediate forfeiture – persons under 19 years of age ........................................................................... 15 30. Warning or caution................................................................................................................................. 15 31. Diversion – persons under 19 years of age ............................................................................................ 15 c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 3 Table of Contents Cannabis Control Act PART VI – OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 15 32. Penalty on conviction ............................................................................................................................. 15 33. Defence, where reasonable steps taken .................................................................................................. 16 34. Approved program for person under 19 years of age ............................................................................. 16 PART VII – GENERAL 16 35. Limitation of liability ............................................................................................................................. 16 36. Regulations ............................................................................................................................................. 16 PART VIII - COMMENCEMENT 17 37. Coming into force ................................................................................................................................... 17 Page 4 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART I - INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION Cannabis Control Act Section 1 c CANNABIS CONTROL ACT CHAPTER C-1.2 PART I - INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION 1. Definitions In this Act, (a) “approved program” means a program approved by the Minister under section 4; (b) “authorized vendor” means the Prince Edward Island Cannabis Management Corporation, established under section 3 of the Cannabis Management Corporation Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. C-1.3; (c) “boat” means any type of boat, ship, vessel or other craft that is designed or used to travel on water; (d) “bus” means a bus as defined in the Highway Traffic Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. H-5; (e) “cannabis” means cannabis as defined in the Cannabis Act (Canada); (f) “cannabis plant” means cannabis plant as defined in the Cannabis Act (Canada); (g) “court” means the Provincial Court; (h) “cultivation”, in respect of cannabis, includes propagation and harvesting; (i) “distribute” includes administer, give, transfer, transport, send, deliver, provide or otherwise make available in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and offer to distribute; (j) “federal law” means an Act of the Parliament of Canada and a regulation made pursuant to an Act of the Parliament of Canada; (k) “hotel” means any place where the public may, for consideration, obtain sleeping accommodation with or without meals; (l) “inspector” means an inspector appointed under section 5; (m) “lessee” means a lessee as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. R-13.11; (n) “lessor” means a lessor as defined in the Residential Tenancy Act; (o) “licensed producer” means a person licensed under the Cannabis Act (Canada) to produce cannabis for commercial purposes; (p) “medical use cannabis” means cannabis used for medical purposes (i) within the meaning of the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada), or (ii) in accordance with a court order; (q) “Minister” means the Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and includes any person designated by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf; c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 5 PART I - INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION Section 2 Cannabis Control Act (r) “occupant” includes (i) a lessee or owner of a private dwelling or vacant land, and (ii) a person who has responsibility for and control over the condition of a private dwelling or vacant land, or the activities carried on there, or control of persons allowed to enter the private dwelling or vacant land; (s) “owner” includes (i) a person who is registered as the owner of a freehold estate in possession of land, (ii) a person who has purchased or otherwise acquired land and has not become the registered owner of it, and (iii) an agent of a person referred to in subclause (i) or (ii); (t) “package” means package as defined in the Cannabis Act (Canada); (u) “police officer” means a member of a police service as defined in the Police Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-11.1; (v) “private dwelling” means a place that is occupied and used by the owner or lessee as a residence, together with adjacent lands or buildings that are normally used for the convenience and enjoyment of the occupant, and includes (i) any house, dwelling, apartment, flat, tenement or other place that is occupied by or may be occupied by a person as a residence, or that part of any such place that is or may be occupied by a person as a residence, (ii) a motor home or a camper van that is parked at a place other than a place referred to in section 14, (iii) a trailer or tent, (iv) a boat that (A) is moored, anchored or otherwise secured to a stationary dock or land, (B) has permanent sleeping accommodations, permanent cooking facilities and permanent sanitary facilities, and (C) is not used to carry passengers for hire, (v) a private guest room in a hotel that is occupied, in good faith, by a guest of the hotel who is duly registered in the office of the hotel as an occupant of that guest room, and who has baggage and effects belonging to him or her in the guest room, and (vi) any other place specified in the regulations; (w) “promote” means promote as defined in the Cannabis Act (Canada); (x) “sell” includes offer for sale, expose for sale and have in possession for sale; (y) “smoke” means smoke as defined in the Smoke-free Places Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. S-4.2; (z) “taxicab” means taxicab as defined in the Highway Traffic Act; (aa) “vehicle” means a vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, and includes an off- highway vehicle as defined in the Off-highway Vehicle Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. O- 3. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.1; 2022,c.88,s.114. 2. Act not applicable (1) This Act does not apply to (a) an activity in respect of medical use cannabis; Page 6 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART II – ADMINISTRATION Cannabis Control Act Section 3 (b) an activity performed in connection with the enforcement or administration of an Act or federal law; (c) an activity conducted pursuant to a licence, permit, authorization, order or exemption under the Cannabis Act (Canada) or the regulations under that Act; or (d) a person performing an activity referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c). Exception (2) Despite clause (1)(a), sections 14 and 15 apply in respect of medical use cannabis. Exemption for certain purposes (3) This Act does not prevent the distribution, possession or consumption of cannabis for research or educational purposes in the circumstances specified in the regulations. Exemption, prescribed activities and persons (4) This Act and the regulations do not apply, to the extent specified in the regulations, to prescribed activities relating to cannabis that are undertaken by or on behalf of prescribed persons acting in accordance with applicable federal law or the Cannabis Management Corporation Act. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.2. PART II – ADMINISTRATION 3. Minister’s authority The Minister is charged with the administration of this Act and may designate persons to act on the Minister’s behalf. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.3. 4. Approved program The Minister may approve programs for the purposes of sections 31 and 34. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.4. 5. Appointment by Minister (1) The Minister may appoint one or more persons employed in the public service of the province as inspectors for the purposes of this Act. Authority of inspector (2) An inspector may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties assigned to the inspector under this Act and the regulations and the other duties assigned to the inspector by the Minister. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.5. 6. Certificate of appointment The Minister shall issue to every inspector a certificate of appointment and every inspector in the exercise of his or her authority or the execution of his or her duties under this Act or the regulations shall produce his or her certificate of appointment on request. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.6. c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 7 PART III - PROHIBITIONS RESPECTING CANNABIS Section 7 Cannabis Control Act PART III - PROHIBITIONS RESPECTING CANNABIS 7. Possession No person under 19 years of age shall have cannabis in his or her possession. 2018,c.20,Sch.1- s.7. 8. Storage No person shall store cannabis in a private dwelling unless (a) the cannabis is stored in a secure space that is inaccessible to any person under 19 years of age who resides in the private dwelling; (b) the amount of cannabis stored in the private dwelling does not exceed any amount specified in the regulations; and (c) the cannabis is stored in a manner that complies with any standards specified in the regulations. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.8. 9. Distribution and sale No person other than an authorized vendor shall (a) operate a store that sells cannabis; (b) sell cannabis; or (c) distribute cannabis, except as permitted under this Act. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.9. 10. Purchase (1) No person shall purchase or attempt to purchase cannabis from any person other than an authorized vendor. Purchasing prohibited (2) No person under 19 years of age shall purchase or attempt to purchase cannabis. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.10. 11. Gift No person shall make or accept a gift of cannabis unless (a) the donor is in lawful possession of the cannabis; and (b) the donee is a person who is 19 years of age or older. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.11. 12. Definitions (1) In this section, (a) “condominium bylaws” means bylaws made by a corporation in accordance with section 13 of the Condominium Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. C-16; and (b) “unit” means a unit as defined in the Condominium Act. Prohibition - cultivation (2) No person shall cultivate, or offer to cultivate, cannabis unless it is cultivated within that person’s private dwelling and (a) the person is in lawful possession of the cannabis; Page 8 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART III - PROHIBITIONS RESPECTING CANNABIS Cannabis Control Act Section 13 (b) the cannabis is cultivated in a space that is inaccessible to any person under 19 years of age who resides in the private dwelling; (c) the cannabis is cultivated in a space that complies with any requirements specified in the regulations; and (d) the cannabis is cultivated in a manner that complies with any standards specified in the regulations. Prohibition - leased private dwelling, unit (3) No person shall cultivate, or offer to cultivate, cannabis in a private dwelling unless (a) in the case of a lessee, the lessor has, in writing, permitted the lessee to cultivate cannabis in the private dwelling; and (b) in the case of a private dwelling that is a unit, the owner or lessee is not prohibited from cultivating cannabis in the private dwelling under the condominium bylaws applicable to that unit. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.12. 13. Consumption - general (1) No person who is 19 years of age or older shall consume cannabis unless the person is in lawful possession of the cannabis and (a) is in a private dwelling and is, or has obtained the consent of, the occupant; (b) is on vacant land and is, or has obtained the consent of, the occupant; or (c) is in a place specified in the regulations and in the circumstances prescribed by regulation, if any. Consumption in certain places (2) Despite subsection (1), no person who is 19 years of age or older shall consume cannabis (a) in a private dwelling where a private school registered under the Private Schools Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-20.01, is located, at any time when students are receiving instruction there; (b) in a private dwelling where an early childhood centre as defined in the Early Learning and Child Care Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-.01, is located, whether licensed or unlicensed, at any time when children are receiving early learning and child care services there; (c) on vacant land to which the public has access by express or implied invitation, for consideration; and (d) at or in any other place specified, and at the time specified, in the regulations. Prohibition - person under 19 years of age (3) No person under 19 years of age shall consume cannabis. Prohibition - permitting consumption by minor (4) No person who (a) is 19 years of age or older; and (b) has a person under 19 years of age in his or her care or under his or her supervision or control, shall knowingly permit the person under 19 years of age to consume cannabis. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.13. c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 9 PART III - PROHIBITIONS RESPECTING CANNABIS Section 14 Cannabis Control Act 14. Consumption – vehicle (1) No person shall consume cannabis or medical use cannabis in or on a vehicle (a) whether it is in motion or not, that is (i) on a highway as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, (ii) on a trail as defined in the Trails Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. T-4.1; or (b) that is in a place specified in the regulations and in the circumstances prescribed by regulation, if any. Consumption - boat (2) No person shall consume cannabis or medical use cannabis in or on a boat except a boat that is being used as a private dwelling. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.14. 15. Cannabis in vehicle or boat (1) No person shall operate a vehicle or boat or have the care and control of a vehicle or a boat, whether or not it is in motion, while any cannabis is contained in the vehicle or boat, as the case may be. Exceptions (2) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to cannabis or medical use cannabis, (a) that is contained in the unopened package in which the cannabis was lawfully purchased; (b) that is packed in a container that is fastened closed and is not otherwise readily available to any person in the vehicle or boat; (c) that is located in a vehicle or boat that is being used as a private dwelling; or (d) that is in the possession of a passenger who is being transported, for compensation, in a bus or taxicab. Exempted transport (3) Subsection (1), and the prohibition in clause 9(c), do not apply to a person who transports or distributes cannabis to, from or on behalf of a licensed producer or authorized vendor (a) under the authority of a valid purchase order, bill of lading or other shipping document issued by the licensed producer or authorized vendor, as the case may be; and (b) where the cannabis is transported in an unopened package. Application to medical use cannabis (4) This section applies to medical use cannabis in accordance with applicable federal law, except in the circumstances specified in the regulations, if any. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.15. 16. Application of Smoke-free Places Act For greater clarity, no provision of this Act or the regulations shall be construed as authorizing any person to smoke cannabis or medical use cannabis in a place where smoking is prohibited under the Smoke-free Places Act. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.16. 17. Provision to intoxicated, impaired person (1) No person shall sell or otherwise provide cannabis to a person who appears to be intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or a drug. Page 10 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART IV – INSPECTION Cannabis Control Act Section 18 Provision to person under 19 years of age (2) No person shall sell or otherwise provide cannabis to a person who is under 19 years of age. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.17. 18. Display No person other than an authorized vendor shall display cannabis, or any package or label of cannabis. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.18. 19. Promotion No person other than an authorized vendor shall promote cannabis. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.19. 20. Prohibition No person shall involve a person under 19 years of age in a contravention of this Act or the regulations. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.20. PART IV – INSPECTION 21. Inspection (1) For the purposes of administering this Act and the regulations, an inspector may (a) at any reasonable time make any inspection that the inspector considers necessary; (b) conduct any tests, take any samples and make any examinations that the inspector considers necessary; (c) require any person whom the inspector finds at a premises to provide the inspector with any information known or available to the person that may be relevant to the inspection; (d) require the production of, inspect and take copies of any records that may be relevant to the inspection, investigation or inquiry; (e) require the production of any thing, plant or seed for the purpose of the inspection; and (f) subject to subsection (2), remove any records examined under this section for the purpose of making copies. Records (2) If an inspector removes any records for copying under this section, the inspector shall (a) provide the owner or occupant of the premises from which the records were obtained with a receipt for the records removed; (b) make copies as soon as possible; and (c) after making copies, return the records to the premises from which the records were obtained or another place agreed to by the inspector and the owner or occupier of the premises. Consent to enter private dwelling (3) No inspector shall enter a private dwelling without a warrant unless the occupant consents to the entry. c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 11 PART IV – INSPECTION Section 22 Cannabis Control Act Application for warrant (4) An inspector may make an ex parte application for a warrant to enter and search a private dwelling or other premises. Issuance of warrant (5) Where an inspector makes an application under subsection (4), a judicial justice of the peace or judge may issue a warrant authorizing the inspector named in the warrant to enter and search any premises named in the warrant, if the judicial justice of the peace or judge is satisfied, on information under oath, that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that (a) an offence under this Act or the regulations is being or has been committed and there is evidence of the offence at the premises proposed to be searched; or (b) a safety hazard is present at the premises to be searched that is or may become a significant risk to the safety of persons at or near the premises. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.21; 2018,c.52,s.51. 22. Assistance from police officer An inspector may request assistance from a police officer in conducting an inspection under this Act or the regulations and the police officer shall assist the inspector. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.22. 23. Prohibition - hindering or obstructing (1) No person shall hinder or obstruct an inspector or a person assisting an inspector in the conduct of an inspection, investigation, inquiry or search under this Act or the regulations. Exception - refusal of consent (2) A refusal of consent to enter a private dwelling is not and shall not be deemed to be hindering or obstructing within the meaning of subsection (1), except where an entry warrant has been obtained. Tampering (3) No person shall tamper with (a) any equipment or materials used by an inspector or a person assisting him or her in the course of an inspection, investigation, inquiry or search under this Act or the regulations; or (b) any results obtained from an inspection, investigation, inquiry or search under this Act or the regulations. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.23. 24. Assistance by other persons An inspector may be accompanied by another person for any purpose mentioned in subsection 21(1), and those persons may carry out inspections, examinations, tests and inquiries and take any samples or do other things as directed by the inspector. 2018,c.20,Sch.1- s.24. 25. Responsibility of occupant, etc. An occupant of a place or premises and any employees or agents of the owner or occupant (a) shall give all reasonable assistance to the inspector to enable the inspector to carry out his or her duties and functions under this Act and the regulations; and Page 12 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART V - ENFORCEMENT Cannabis Control Act Section 26 (b) shall furnish the inspector with the information that he or she reasonably requires for the purposes referred to in subsection 21(1). 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.25. 26. Onus on person claiming exemption A person who attempts to rely on an exemption under this Act, or on the non-application of any provision of this Act or the regulations, shall, on the demand of an inspector, (a) provide to the inspector the document or other thing specified by the regulations to confirm the exemption or non-application; or (b) if no document or other thing is specified by the Act or regulations with respect to the exemption, demonstrate to the inspector’s satisfaction the applicability of the exemption or non-application. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.26. PART V - ENFORCEMENT 27. Investigation (1) An inspector or a police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a contravention of this Act or the regulations has occurred or is occurring in a place or premises may conduct any investigation or inquiry that the inspector or police officer considers necessary. Powers (2) For the purposes of an investigation or inquiry, a police officer has, in addition to the powers and authority of a police officer under the Police Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-11.1, and the specific authority set out in this Part, all of the powers of an inspector under Part IV. Proof of age (3) An inspector or a police officer may request any person who is or appears to be in possession of, consuming or smoking cannabis to produce proof in accordance with the regulations that the person is 19 years of age or older. Compliance required (4) A person referred to in subsection (3) shall comply with the request. Seizure of cannabis (5) An inspector or police officer may seize cannabis from a person referred to in subsection (3) who fails or refuses to comply with the request to produce proof of age. Seizure related to contravention (6) An inspector or police officer may seize anything, including cannabis, if the inspector or police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that (a) the thing will afford evidence of a contravention of this Act; (b) the thing was used or is being used in connection with a contravention of this Act, and unless the thing is seized it is likely it would continue to be used or would be used again in a contravention of this Act; or (c) the thing is proceeds of a contravention of this Act. Seizure - further contravention (7) Where a contravention appears to have been committed under this Act and an inspector or police officer has reasonable grounds to believe, in view of the nature of the contravention c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 13 PART V - ENFORCEMENT Section 28 Cannabis Control Act and the presence of cannabis, that a further contravention is likely to be committed, the inspector or police officer may seize the cannabis and any packages in which it is kept. Presumption (8) In the absence of evidence to the contrary, where an inspector or a police officer seizes a package in circumstances that create a reasonable inference that the contents of the package are or contain cannabis, the contents are deemed to be cannabis. Presumption respecting sale (9) In a proceeding, evidence that an individual left the premises of an authorized vendor with cannabis in the individual’s possession is proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the authorized vendor gave, sold or otherwise supplied the cannabis to the individual. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.27. 28. Application to court (1) The court may, on the application of a person made within 30 days of the seizure under subsection 27(5), (6) or (7), order that the thing seized be restored without delay to the applicant if the court is satisfied that, (a) the applicant is entitled to possession of the thing seized; (b) the thing seized is not required as evidence in any proceeding; (c) continued detention of the thing seized is not necessary to prevent a further contravention of this Act; and (d) it is unlikely that the thing seized will be forfeited on conviction in accordance with an order made under subsection (4). Order with delayed effect (2) Where the court is satisfied that an applicant under subsection (1) is entitled to possession of the thing seized but is not satisfied as to all of the matters mentioned in clauses (1)(b), (c) and (d), it shall order the thing seized to be restored to the applicant, (a) on the expiration of three months after the date of the seizure, if no proceedings in respect of an offence have been commenced; or (b) on the final conclusion of any such proceeding. Forfeit to Crown (3) Where no application has been made for the return of a thing seized under subsection 27(5), (6) or (7), or an application has been made but on the hearing of the application no order of restoration has been made, the thing seized is forfeited to the Crown. Forfeit on conviction (4) Where a person is convicted of a contravention of this Act, the court that convicts the person shall order that anything seized under subsections 27(5), (6) or (7) in connection with the offence be forfeited to the Crown, unless the court considers the forfeiture would be unjust in the circumstances. Application for relief (5) Any person with an interest in a thing forfeited under this section may apply to the court for relief against the forfeiture and the court may make an order for any relief that it considers just, including, but not limited to, one or both of the following orders: (a) an order directing that the thing or any part of the thing be returned to the applicant; Page 14 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART VI – OFFENCES AND PENALTIES Cannabis Control Act Section 29 (b) an order directing that any interest in the thing be vested in the applicant. Restriction on order (6) The court shall not order any relief under subsection (5) unless it is satisfied that the applicant did not, directly or indirectly, participate in, or benefit from, any contravention in connection with which the thing was seized. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.28. 29. Immediate forfeiture – persons under 19 years of age Despite sections 27 and 28, where an inspector or police officer seizes cannabis and any package in which it is kept from a person who is under 19 years of age, the cannabis and any package in which it is kept is forfeited to the Crown immediately. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.29. 30. Warning or caution (1) An inspector or police officer shall, before taking any measures under this Act against a person under the age of 19 years who is alleged to have contravened a provision of this Act, consider whether it would be sufficient (a) to take no further action; (b) to warn the young person; or (c) to administer a caution to the young person. Effect of failure to consider (2) The failure of an inspector or police officer to consider the options specified in subsection (1) does not invalidate any subsequent charge against the young person for the contravention. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.30. 31. Diversion – persons under 19 years of age (1) A inspector or police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a person who is under 19 years of age has contravened any section of this Act or the regulations may refer the person to an approved program. Diversion on stay of proceedings (2) A prosecutor may, in exercising a power to stay a proceeding, refer a person under 19 years of age who is charged with a contravention of any provision of this Act or the regulations to an approved program. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.31. PART VI – OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 32. Penalty on conviction (1) Every person who contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations for which no other penalty is provided under this Act is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $400; and (b) for any subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $700. Penalty - unauthorized vendor (2) Every person who contravenes section 9 is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 15 PART VII – GENERAL Section 33 Cannabis Control Act (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000; and (b) for any subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $20,000. Penalty, contraventions involving persons under the age of 19 years (3) Every person who contravenes clause 11(b), subsection 13(4) or 17(2) or section 20 is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,250; and (b) for any subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,250 and not more than $2,500. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.32. 33. Defence, where reasonable steps taken It is not a defence to a charge arising out of a contravention or failure to comply with clause 11(b), subsection 13(4) or 17(2) or section 20 that the accused believed that a person was 19 years of age or older, unless the accused took reasonable steps to ascertain the person’s age. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.33. 34. Approved program for person under 19 years of age Where a person under 19 years of age pleads guilty to or is found to be guilty of an offence under this Act relating to the possession or consumption of cannabis, a provincial court judge, after hearing medical or other evidence, instead of convicting the person, may order that the person be discharged on conditions described in a probation order, including a condition respecting the person’s attendance at an approved program. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.34. PART VII – GENERAL 35. Limitation of liability No action, application or other proceeding lies or shall be instituted against any of the following persons in relation to anything done or purported to be done in good faith, or in relation to anything omitted in good faith, under this Act by the person: (a) the Government, the Minister, an employee of Government or a person designated by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf; (b) an inspector or police officer; (c) any other person who exercises a power or performs a duty under this Act. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.35. 36. Regulations The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) specifying additional places for the purposes of the definition of “private dwelling”; (b) prescribing the circumstances under which this Act does not prevent the distribution, possession or consumption of cannabis for research purposes, for the purposes of subsection 2(3); (c) specifying activities and persons or classes of persons that are exempt from the application of a provision of this Act for the purposes of subsection 2(4); (d) specifying the content of an approved program for the purposes of section 4; Page 16 Version: August 1, 2023 t c PART VIII - COMMENCEMENT Cannabis Control Act Section 37 (e) specifying the maximum amount of cannabis that may be stored in a private dwelling for the purposes of clause 8(b); (f) specifying standards for the purposes of clauses 8(c) and 12(2)(d); (g) specifying requirements for cultivation of cannabis for the purposes of clause 12(2)(c); (h) specifying places and prescribing circumstances where consumption of cannabis is permitted for the purposes of clause 13(1)(c); (i) specifying places where consumption of cannabis is prohibited for the purposes of subsection 13(2); (j) specifying places where consumption of cannabis in a vehicle is prohibited for the purposes of clause 14(1)(b); (k) prescribing circumstances under which section 15 does not apply with respect to medical use cannabis; (l) exempting a person or class of persons from the application of a provision of this Act; (m) specifying documents or other things to be provided to an inspector for the purposes of section 26; (n) specifying acceptable forms of identification and proof of age; (o) defining a word or expression used, but not defined, in this Act; (p) respecting any other matter that may be necessary for the proper administration of this Act. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.36. PART VIII - COMMENCEMENT 37. Coming into force (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into force on a date that may be fixed by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Condition (2) No provision of this Act shall be proclaimed before the day that Bill C-45, introduced in the first session of the forty-second Parliament and entitled An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts, receives Royal Assent. 2018,c.20,Sch.1-s.37. c t Version: August 1, 2023 Page 17