With Cannabis becoming legal in Canada on Wednesday, October 17th, many residents are still unsure of what will and will not be allowed.

At a provincial press conference, Manitoba Minister of Justice Cliff Cullen says in preparation, their administration has implemented a range of legislation that puts the safety of Manitobans first including the Cannabis Harm Prevention Act, the Safe and Responsible Retailing of Cannabis Act, and the Impaired Driving Offences Act.

"Manitobans must be 19 or older to legally purchase and consume non-medical cannabis. As with liquor, the fine for underage possession is $672. You can only buy non-medical cannabis from licensed retailers, you also can’t grow cannabis at home. The fine for growing non-medical cannabis in a residence in Manitoba is $2,542 which is the same as the fine for brewing hard liquor in the home."

The fine for supplying recreational cannabis to someone under the age of 19 is also $2,542. Cullen says most importantly, they want to make sure Manitobans never get behind the wheel if they are impaired. He notes much like alcohol, those caught driving under the influence of cannabis can be charged and face penalties starting from $1,000 for a first offense and mandatory jail sentences for subsequent offenses along with a court-ordered driving prohibition.

Manitoba Minister of Health Cameron Friesen says much like alcohol and cigarettes, there are strict regulations as to where cannabis may be smoked.

"We have prohibited the smoking and vaping of recreational cannabis for enclosed public spaces and workplaces as well as most outdoor spaces and we have deliberately made exceptions to accommodate medical cannabis users. We have also given owners of multi-unit residential buildings the option of designating areas for both medicinal and recreational users to smoke and vape."

Friesen explains one of the reasons why the province of Manitoba has set such strict regulations for where cannabis can be consumed.

"What we have done since the beginning is we have said ‘we have to get this balancing act in place whereby we are accommodating both those who want to use these products and those who do not want to’ and also there are issues pertaining to the inhalation of second-hand smoke, so these are things we are keeping in mind as well."

According to the province of Manitoba website, smoking non-medical cannabis is prohibited in the following outdoor public spaces:

  • streets and sidewalks;
  • parks and beaches;
  • school grounds;
  • restaurant patios and decks;
  • the grounds of health-care facilities; and
  • any additional places that may be specified by regulation.

The following fines will also come into effect when cannabis is legalized on Wednesday:

  • Supplying cannabis to a young person under age 19 - $2,542
  • Growing non-medical cannabis in a residence in Manitoba - $2,542
  • Smoking or vaping cannabis in provincial parks - $672
  • Consuming cannabis in or on a vehicle on a highway - $672
  • Consuming cannabis in or on an off-road vehicle - $672
  • Failing drug-screening tests as a novice driver - $113
  • Failing drug test as a supervising driver - $672

Fines for transporting cannabis when not properly stored:

  • Driver carrying cannabis in or on a vehicle - $237
  • Driver carrying cannabis in or on an off-road vehicle - $237