Can you believe it's already been one year since recreational cannabis was legalized? Well, tomorrow, on Oct. 17, the second wave of cannabis legalization comes into effect, ushering in new provisions for beverages, edibles, extracts and topicals. The first legal products are set to hit shelves this December.
READ: Looking Back On One Year Of Legal Recreational Cannabis: Round Up
Read on to find out everything you need to know ahead of cannabis legalization 2.0.
What Happens Next?
Beginning Thursday, licensed producers can submit their cannabis beverages, edibles, extracts and topicals to Health Canada. The approval and procurement process will take between 60 and 90 days, which is why products will likely start being sold in December.
In a June 14 news release, Health Canada stated that they will enforce a "strict legal framework to regulate and restrict access to cannabis keeping it out of the hands of youth, and profits out of the pockets of criminals and organized crime."
READ: Here’s How To Grow Your Own Cannabis At Home
Which Products Are Included In This Second Wave?
This next wave of legalization is exciting due to all the new products that will soon be available on the market. You will be able to buy beverages, topicals, extracts and edibles. This means you will be able to stop by your local pot shop and try everything from cannabis makeup, body lotion, cookies, drinks, candy to oils.
There are provisions surrounding how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is allowed in each package of edibles, which is 10 milligrams, amongst other government-mandated limits.
When Will These Products Hit Shelves?
Given the 60 to 90 day approval and procurement process, the earliest you'll be able to purchase new cannabis products will be Dec. 17 (which is 60 days after the official legalization date of Oct. 17). So, you might be able to enjoy some special treats over the holidays!
Where Can I Purchase New Products?
First off, sadly, edibles will not be available in Quebec. A regulation was recently introduced banning the sale of any cannabis product "attractive to minors" which means scrumptious treats like brownies, ice cream, candy and baked goods will be off the market.
In other provinces, you can expect to find these new products wherever your cannabis is sold. Once licensed producers are given the go ahead to start providing retailers with their products, you'll start seeing everything your heart desires on shelves.
