It should be noted, however, that even those who complained about the problems of mail-order cannabis only very rarely called for abolishing it. Limited experiences in other jurisdictions where separate medical and recreational markets coexist provide some interesting insights. This contributes to demand from states where cannabis remains illegal. In the United States, cannabis for non-medical purposes is illegal federally and in all but nine U.S. jurisdictions (eight states and Washington, D.C.). The first approach is the "zero tolerance" policy, which is a variation on the per se limit in which the legal limit is set at zero (or at low detectable levels). Although the ultimate aim of the drug treaties is to ensure the "health and welfare of humankind," there is growing recognition that cannabis prohibition has proven to be an ineffective strategy for reducing individual or social harms, including decreasing burdens on criminal justice systems, limiting negative social and public health impacts, and minimizing the entrenchment of illicit markets, which in some cases support organized crime and violence. However, we do not believe that limiting THC content in concentrates is the most effective way to do so, based on current information. The Task Force agrees with the widespread view that current restrictions on public smoking be extended to include the public smoking of cannabis. (regardless of the number of adults residing at the residence), (Maximum of 12 plants per residence, regardless of the number of adults living in the residence). The federal government should work with provincial, territorial and municipal governments on the sharing of data from their respective jurisdictions. In addition to considering scientific evidence and input from stakeholders, the Task Force examined how other jurisdictions have attempted to minimize harms of use. A significant proportion of youth believes that cannabis use leads to more cautious driving and that it is difficult for police to detect and charge drivers for cannabis-impaired driving. Submissions advocating THC limits rarely specified what those limits should be. These products are not considered part of the mandate of the Task Force: they have special risks and will remain controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Overall, Canadians and stakeholders recommended that the regime should be designed in a way that suits the needs of all Canadians who require cannabis for medical purposes while maintaining effective controls to reduce potential harms. Some Canadian licensed medical cannabis producers are capable of growing cannabis with levels of THC higher than 30%. Sources of this data may include sectors such as health care (e.g., visits to emergency departments and hospitalizations), law enforcement (e.g., police-reported incidents and charges), industry (e.g., cultivation and manufacturing data) and transportation (e.g., traffic accident data). The current approach also creates challenges for the criminal justice system and for Canadians. A patient may only access medical marijuana from commercial producers that have been licensed by the government's health department. With market authorization and DINs, these medicines would become eligible for inclusion on public and private drug formularies and insurance plans, thereby addressing the affordability barriers about which we heard. Operating in parallel to this federally regulated system of commercial producers is a complex and varied illicit market. While Canada's proposal to legalize marijuana may differ from drug control policy in other countries, it shares the objectives of protecting citizens, particularly youth; implementing evidence-based policy; and putting health and welfare at the centre of a balanced approach to treaty implementation. Minimum age should be consistent across Canada 49%, Acceptable to have variations across provinces/territories 49%, Not sure if there should be consistency or variation 2%. We believe it is more appropriate to use the term cannabis when engaging in a serious discussion of the goals and features of a new regulatory system for legal access. Municipalities were concerned about the increase in grow operations that could pose a risk of fire, mould and other health and safety hazards. Many jurisdictions have taken steps to ban public use of vaping devices. Thus, individuals remain subject to the potential dangers of untested cannabis. Horwood et al. A recent court decision found the MMPR failed to satisfy the constitutional requirement that there be "reasonable access" to marijuana for medical purposes.Footnote 7. To date, over 300 stores have been established, selling dried marijuana and a range of edible and other products. Many submissions to the Task Force suggested that Canada could learn from the way U.S. states have responded to ingestion incidents. Cost was identified as a barrier, followed very closely by the impact that various distribution models could have on access. These groups can be relied upon as important sources of knowledge and advice as governments move forward to enact the new system. Along with detection and enforcement provisions, there was strong support for ongoing public education campaigns aimed at informing Canadians - and especially our youth - on the harms associated with drug-impaired driving.