Nova Scotia cracks down on the illegal cannabis marketCanada

Higher fines and new offences are now in effect as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect Nova Scotians and support a safe, regulated cannabis market.

“Nova Scotia’s approach to cannabis regulation is squarely focused on public health and safety, especially for our youth,” said Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “These changes reinforce that buying and selling cannabis outside the legal market is against the law. They will help protect young people while supporting the safe, legal market for adults who choose to use cannabis.”

In Nova Scotia, cannabis can be purchased legally only through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. (NSLC). The higher fines and new offences are intended to discourage illegal sales.

Examples of increased fines include:

• a range of $250 to $500 for a person under 19 who possesses cannabis
• $600 to $5,000 for purchasing cannabis anywhere other than the NSLC
• $5,000 to $25,000 for an individual selling cannabis illegally
• $15,000 to $50,000 for a business selling cannabis illegally.

It is now an offence for illegal cannabis sellers to advertise or promote cannabis sales and for landlords to allow cannabis sales on their property. Those offences carry a fine of $25,000.

There is also a new fine for illegal sales of at least one kilogram of cannabis – twice the amount of tax that would have been paid on the legal sale. This fine works out to $3,680 per kilogram.

The fines and offences are among changes to the Cannabis Control Act passed during the spring legislature sitting and proclaimed today, June 25. The legislation is supported by new regulations.

TO FIND OUT MORE: New Nova Scotia