(Ottawa) The federal government is proposing a series of changes to cannabis regulations in an effort to save money.
In the latest edition of the Canada Gazette, the government’s official journal, Health Canada indicates that the changes would provide annual savings of approximately $41 million related to administrative costs and compliance.
“Health Canada recognizes that there may be regulatory measures that could be made more effective and streamlined without compromising public health and safety objectives. »
The proposed changes range from allowing cannabis product lids and containers to be different colors to ending the requirement that producers provide paper copies of information sheets to retailers.
Producers could also package multiple products together as long as the packaging remains below the 30 gram limit and the products it contains also meet the packaging requirements. Producers could thus sell larger quantities of edible products in a single outer package.
Other changes include allowing transparent packaging so consumers can see the product before purchasing it and allowing QR codes on packages that would allow shoppers to find more information.
Producers are still not allowed to put images or information on packaging, but rules would be relaxed to allow the addition if other legislation requires it, such as for the recycling icon.
Additionally, they would no longer need to report their promotional efforts each year and would no longer need to declare their crop waste.
These changes come as the cannabis industry has faced numerous challenges and market consolidation following legalization in 2018.
A group was convened by the federal government to study the legislation. It made 54 recommendations for updates.