Manitoba to Allow Homegrown Recreational Cannabis, Lifting Ban

The Manitoba government announced plans on April 24, 2024 to lift the province's ban on homegrown recreational cannabis, allowing up to four plants per household. The move would leave Quebec as the only province with such a restriction on growing cannabis for personal use.

Premier Wab Kinew said the change will give Manitobans "the same rights that people in the rest of Canada have."

The federal government legalized recreational cannabis in 2018, permitting up to four plants per household, but Manitoba's previous Progressive Conservative government imposed a ban, citing concerns about cannabis falling into the hands of children or fueling the black market.

However, Kinew noted those concerns did not materialize when medical marijuana was legalized earlier. The New Democratic Party government, which Kinew leads, had promised to lift the ban as part of its campaign platform.

Why this matters: Manitoba's decision aligns the province with the majority of Canada on cannabis home-growing rights. It reflects an evolving approach to regulating recreational marijuana as initial concerns ease with time and experience.

The government is expected to introduce a bill enacting the change in the coming days, but it remains unclear if the legislation will pass before the summer break. The opposition Tories have criticized the NDP for delays in introducing several promised bills.

Activist Jesse Lavoie, who unsuccessfully challenged Manitoba's homegrown cannabis ban in court, welcomed the announcement. Lavoie said he will suspend his ongoing appeal of the court ruling if the ban is lifted as planned.

Kinew expressed confidence that the government will be able to advance the cannabis bill and other legislation through the process, despite the compressed timeline. "We're just allowing Manitobans to have the same rights that people in the rest of Canada have," the premier reiterated.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba is set to lift the ban on homegrown recreational cannabis, allowing up to 4 plants.
• Manitoba will be the last province to permit personal cannabis cultivation.
• Concerns about children and the black market did not materialize with medical marijuana.
• Activists who challenged the ban in court will suspend the appeal if the ban is lifted.
• Legislation to lift ban expected soon, but may not pass before summer break.