Q1: Public Consultation on the Medicinal Cannabis Draft Bill and Regulations

Thank you Michael, all pertinent subject matter. Now that there is a pandemic we should focus on this as it WILL make money. You are looking for thinking outside the box, well there you have it. Hey we could just replace the alcohol that is sold, namely miniatures and single beers. far more deadly that Cannabis.

The cost of running the authority will not be covered by licensees as the regulations are so strict with enough rules that most producers would be dissuaded from applying. This will not work in its current form and will only drain resources from the government. It will be easier and cheaper to import illegally, therefore this draconian draft law will only push supply back into the black market.

In the current draft, a person would need a cultivation license, transport license then only be able to sell to a pharmacists? Why restrict the ability of people growing cannabis from selling it? What is electronic tracking of the possession of cannabis? In the current form, there is no market. If only pharmacists can sell and medical use licenses only issued to terminally ill cancer patients as is currently the case, there would not be enough demand to sustain a business that is required to have 24/7 security, fencing and electronic surveillance. Why aren't there any provisions for patients to grow their own, In canada, it's legal to have up to 30 grams of cannabis and grow 4 plants. Why is there a $20,000 fine or imprisonment for 8 years for smoking medical cannabis? Public statements that the law would put people who had been disenfranchised because of harsh drug laws in the forefront have not been honoured. The draft law is draconian and creates more problems than it solves. The penalties for possession of medical cannabis contradict the decriminalisation of cannabis. How does one distinguish medical cannabis from illicit cannabis? Why would there be no penalty for illicit but a penalty for medical? A company can apply for a license. Who would be criminally liable of the company contravenes the regulations? Why is it still illegal for someone authorized to use medical cannabis to have it in any motor vehicle or increased penalty zone. If they live close to a school, they need to move? Do you really need regulations on the type of cupboard cannabis can be stored in? Do you really need a $25,000 fine or 3 years for breaching those regulations? Why is it the authority has nobody who has agricultural experience? Regulations: Why does subsection 4 contradict the Act that states that nobody who has a conviction under the Misuse of Drugs Act should get a license. Criminal Background checks will exclude people previously convicted of drug offenses. Why do you need to own the property in order to get a license to grow (or written consent if it's already leased)? Again, people with criminal records are going to be excluded. Who invented the 4 month shelf life for cannabis? It seems that the intention of the regulations is to dissuade people from cultivating through excessive regulation as importing is relatively painless. Please revise this draft as it is draconian, erects more barriers than necessary and creates a huge administrative burden which would only be levied on licensees increasing the cost of legal cannabis.