US EditionNew Bill Increases Fines, Enforcement Powers for Illegal Cannabis in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia introduces new landlord offence and mandatory minimum fines to curb 118 illegal cannabis shops and protect youth, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Justice Minister Scott Armstrong tabled legislation to strengthen the Cannabis Control Act, saying, `Illegal cannabis is a risk to public health and safety, and illegal dispensaries are a threat to consumers, youth and the integrity of the regulated system.`
- The provincial government issued a Dec. 4 directive directing police to prioritize enforcement of illegal cannabis and sent a letter to 13 Mi'kmaq chiefs seeking co-operation, prompting criticism it may target First Nations communities.
- The bill raises penalties with mandatory minimums, proposing fines from $250 to $500 for lower offences and $15,000 to $50,000 for serious ones, and expands enforcement to peace officers such as conservation officers.
- A new landlord offence would hold property owners criminally liable, while Mi'kmaq chiefs criticized the crackdown and First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow said ministers are banned from band lands.
- The government warns of organized-crime links while police report no evidence; officials say amendments protect youth and ensure adults access tested cannabis, but Halifax Regional Police, Nova Scotia RCMP and the federal justice minister find no trafficking or fentanyl links.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Toronto Star
New bill would increase fines, enforcement powers for illegal cannabis in Nova Scotia
HALIFAX - Nova Scotia's former justice minister and a legal expert are raising concerns about legislation tabled Wednesday to strengthen enforcement of cannabis rules amid a crackdown on illegal dispensaries.
New bill increases fines, enforcement powers for illegal cannabis in Nova Scotia
The new bill increases fines, allows peace officers to enforce cannabis rules alongside police, and introduces a new offence for landlords who knowingly allow unregulated cannabis dispensaries to operate on their property.
N.S. moves to increase fines, give officers more power to enforce cannabis act
The Nova Scotia government introduced legislation on Wednesday as it continues to push for stronger enforcement around cannabis. The bill makes amendments to the Cannabis Control Act that the government says are aimed at improving public health and safety. “We are strengthening the Cannabis Control Act through expanded enforcement authority, increased fines and addressing evidentiary […]
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