The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
By SQDC.ca | Published on December 22rd, 2022
The regulations governing cannabis beverages in Canada changed when the Cannabis Act was amended on December 2, 2022. In force since October 17, 2018, the act legalizes cannabis and provides a control framework for cannabis products.
Interestingly, a legislative review of the Cannabis Act is currently underway. While no recommendations have yet been issued, some changes to the Cannabis Act have already been made. For example, in January 2021, the provisions governing the presentation of cannabinoid content were amended for some product categories. See our Guide to the New THC and CBD Content Units.
Actually, the regulatory change applicable to cannabis beverages isn’t included in the legislative review either. It results from a recommendation made by a broad group of individuals and organizations active in the field.
To learn more about the recent regulatory change affecting the possession and sale of ready-to-drink and other cannabis-containing beverages, read on!
The Cannabis Act stipulates that an adult may possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in a public place. So, how do you determine the possession limit for derived cannabis products like beverages?
Fortunately, an equivalency calculation for non-solid cannabis-containing products has been provided. Don’t worry: a math degree isn’t required, because the equivalency has to be included on the information sheet and online description for each product.
The old equivalency calculation was based on the assumption that a 355 ml cannabis beverage was equivalent to 5 grams of dried cannabis, meaning a person could possess up to five 355 ml drinks (2 litres) and still be within the 30-gram possession limit.
The new calculation is based on the assumption that a 355 ml cannabis beverage is equivalent to approximately 0.62 grams of dried cannabis. As 30 grams are allowed by law, this change means an individual can now possess up to forty-eight (48) 355 ml cans (17.1 litres) of cannabis beverages.
The purpose of this change is to bring the equivalency calculation for beverages in line with the six other classes of cannabis defined by the act (liquid concentrate, solid concentrate, fresh cannabis, etc.). The act establishes seven classes of cannabis products and, for each class, specifies the equivalence to the allowed 30 grams. Learn more about cannabis regulation.
Note that a 12-month transition period has been planned to give suppliers time to adjust the equivalent grams information on their product labels. That’s why you may still find the old equivalency calculation on some cannabis beverage products you buy at the SQDC until December 2, 2023.
The change in no way affects the limit of 5 mg of THC per unit set by Québec’s Cannabis Regulation Act. The labelling and packaging measures currently in place to control overconsumption and accidental use remain unchanged.
While it’s true that, as a smoke-free alternative to inhaled products, cannabis beverages are less harmful for lung health, they still present risks.
As with other edible cannabis products, the psychoactive effects take longer to appear and last longer too. Because the cannabinoids have to be absorbed by the stomach and intestine before reaching the bloodstream, the onset of effects may not occur for 30 minutes or an hour and may last up to eight hours. Read our article on the subject.
Regardless of the type of user you are, we always recommend starting with small does (2.5 mg THC), waiting three hours before consuming a second beverage and never driving after using cannabis in any form. Learn more about responsible cannabis use.
Remember: each person’s endocannabinoid system is unique. This means you should never assume another person’s methods of use or reactions are applicable to you.
Infused cannabis beverages first appeared on SQDC shelves in January 2020. Ready-to-drink (cooler) type beverages entered the product catalogue two months later. The pace of the rollout soon picked up and now, in December 2022, the category has more than 40 products. Interest in cannabis beverages is growing, which is why we want to take this opportunity to remind you to err on the side of caution when ingesting cannabis products.
The SQDC sells a range of quality cannabis products with a lower risk level, all of which have been authorized by Health Canada.
Relaxing, stimulating and mood-altering: cannabis can have effects that are pleasant or undesirable. Learn what causes the effects and determines how intense they are and how long they last.
Are you or a friend or family member dealing with a problem related to cannabis use? Several assistance resources are available to you. Take advantage of them!