Canada legalized recreational cannabis use just over five years ago, leading to a surge in companies and stores dedicated to its distribution across the country. While legislation hasn't shifted during this time, a cannabis advocacy group is aiming to prompt change.
Jennawae Cavion, the executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), based in Kingston, Ont., noted that a conversation with a Member of Parliament spurred the realization that this change was within reach.
NORML is currently circulating a petition urging the Canadian government to increase the permitted THC levels in cannabis-infused edibles and drinks from 10 mg to 100 mg per package. The group argues that for experienced users, 10 mg is akin to the potency of a light beer, necessitating the consumption of more products to achieve the desired effect.
Cavion emphasized that while 10 mg serves as a reasonable starting point, allowing multiple servings per package aligns with the approach taken by most other jurisdictions.
Advocates for this change argue that raising THC limits could discourage users from resorting to the unregulated market, which often offers more potent products. Additionally, they believe it might prompt illicit producers to transition to the legal market.
Users advocating for this shift in legislation emphasize the practicality for medical purposes and cost-efficiency. They find the current portions limiting, forcing excessive sugar consumption and multiple servings to achieve the desired effect.
The petition, already with around 2,000 signatures, stands ready to be presented in the House of Commons, expected to occur in the upcoming spring session. Cannabis advocates aim to gather more support, hopeful that the petition will prompt the government to reassess regulations concerning cannabis dosage.
