Banning Canadians from growing a few marijuana plants in their homes or backyards once recreational cannabis is legalized would be both paternalistic and unenforceable, former federal justice minister Anne McLellan says.

McLellan, who chaired the federal task force on cannabis legalization, offered that opinion Wednesday during an appearance before the Senate’s social affairs committee, which is examining the federal government’s bill to legalize pot use.

The bill would allow individuals to grow up to four plants per dwelling — a provision that has raised concerns among senators, apartment and condo owners, municipalities and police.

As a major policy change comes down the pike in Canada on legalizing marijuana, a consultant on the topic told a Cornwall business audience that this “fluid” event will leave businesses with questions even after it’s legalized.

Ivan Vrana worked 18 years with Health Canada on the cannabis file before moving over to the private sector, consulting on marijuana in 2013. He’s been with the Ottawa consulting firm, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, as its vice president of public affairs since 2015.

Vrana told a chamber of commerce luncheon at Ramada Cornwall on Wednesday that the provincial and federal governments still have a lot to do before pot is legal for recreational use in this country.

Campaign tackles assumptions about how cannabis use affects driving and mental health.

Posters at Halifax bus stops and hockey rinks with the banner Weed Myths are part of a new public awareness initiative about cannabis use, not an anti-drug crusade, says the director of the program behind the campaign.

The strategy, which includes short videos on social media, is to motivate young people to ask questions about cannabis, says  Dr. Phil Tibbo, director of the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program. 

Weed Myths looks at some assumptions people make about cannabis and driving as well as its effect on mental health.

Young people were consulted about the message and the way it is being delivered, Tibbo said.

MONCTON – Medical marijuana producer Organigram Holdings is making it first foray into the international cannabis market, buying a 25 per cent stake in the German company Alpha-Cannabis Germany (ACG).

The company will spend approximately $2.5-million in cash and $1.3-million in shares for the stake. Once the deal is finalized, Organigram will provide Alpha-Cannabis with dried cannabis flower and sweet leaf to be converted into extracts meant to supply the German medical cannabis market.

Province continues to prepare for July legalization of cannabis.

Municipal leaders had the chance to discuss the legalization of cannabis and how it could impact their communities before closing out the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) Symposium May 5.

Sean Ryan, the Newfoundland Liquor Corperation’s (NLC) vice-president of Regulatory Services and Social Responsibility, spoke at the Gander session to field cannabis questions.

“It’s probably the biggest societal shift I’ll see in my generation,” the retired law enforcement officer said about the July roll-out goal. “A lot of issues need to be met head on before welcoming product into the community.”

Miawpukek First Nation chosen to sell marijuana on its reserve.

It still has to be approved by the community, but the Miawpukek First Nation Reserve in Conne River was one of 24 successful applicants announced Monday to sell marijuana in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Chief Misel Joe says the weed will be tax free for some.

"Like everything else coming to the reserve, it would be tax exempt. Everything that's brought into the community is tax exempt, so that would be no different," Joe told CBC Radio's St. John's Morning Show.

A Senate committee has asked the Trudeau government to come up with a plan to deal with the political and legal fallout when Canada legalizes recreational cannabis later this year, and thereby flouts its treaty obligations and international law.

Canada normally considers itself — and is widely seen as — a nation that respects treaties and lives up to its international obligations, just as it expects other countries to do.

But that international reputation for reliably upholding its legal commitments is expected to take a big hit when non-medicinal cannabis is legalized, according to evidence recently presented to the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

So far, the NDP government hasn't faced any serious criticism from opposition MLAs in its efforts to amend the Motor Vehicle Act in response to the federal legalization of cannabis.

But near the end of a debate over Bll 17 on May 8, Solicitor General Mike Farnworth expressed serious concerns about how some B.C. residents will be treated entering the U.S. if they truthfully answer a border guard's question.

In particular, he's worried about the potential of ordinary citizens being denied access to the United States as a result of doing something legal in Canada: consuming cannabis.

Once burned by a “bong” mascot, Esquimalt council plans to be firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to cannabis retailers

Esquimalt councillors have approved a new zoning bylaw that prohibits the retail sale of cannabis and cannabis lounges in any location in the township unless specifically rezoned to allow such use.

This effectively means that any cannabis dispensary wanting to locate in the township will have to go through a rezoning process.

“In my mind it helps us to, one, be very careful and controlled in terms what comes to us and where it will be situated,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins. “But also, in a rezoning you can talk to them about what are they going to provide for the community.

“This is a ‘nobody loses’ situation.”

Non-prescription sleep aid Dream Water has been acquired by Vancouver, Canada-based cannabis company Harvest One for approximately $26.7 million (C$34.5 million).

The agreement, upon closing, will consolidate Dream Water USA and Dream Water Canada, which is the exclusive licensee in that country, into a single wholly owned subsidiary of Harvest One called Dream Water Global that will control worldwide rights and intellectual property for the brand. Dream Water USA CEO David Lekach will serve as president of the new company, while Dream Water Canada CEO Stephen Dick will be CEO.