The provincial government is proposing changes to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Act that would tighten cannabis possession rules in an attempt to stop the illegal cannabis market.

The new legislation amendments would make it an offence to possess more than 30 grams on non-medical cannabis in a public place. These changes will give provincial Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis inspectors the ability to enforce and seize illicit cannabis.

“Throughout the process of federal cannabis legalization, our government has continued to make health and safety our top priority,” said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.  “These possession restrictions help crack down on the illicit cannabis market by giving provincial inspectors the clear ability to seize illicit cannabis.”

By creating the new offences Manitoba Finance officers who enforce tobacco laws will also have the authority to take action against illegal cannabis. Police will be able to ticket anyone for possession of more than 30 grams instead of charging them criminally.

As part of the proposed legislation, it will be an offence to possess cannabis that is not packaged, stamped and labelled in accordance with federal legislation. In other words it will be illegal to possess any cannabis that was not purchased in a licensed retail outlet.

The minister did note that the legislation would have exemptions to ensure individuals can still remove cannabis from its original packaging for storage or consumption.