TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — While cannabis is due to become legal for recreational purposes in across Canada in October, it seems unlikely to be featured at music festivals there any time soon.
On Friday, Canada indicated that it plans to crack down on federally licensed producers of cannabis who sponsor events such as music festivals.
“As the law presently stands, the advertising of cannabis is subject to several prohibitions in both the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR), made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and the Food and Drugs Act (FDA). For example, under paragraph 70(b) of the NCR, no person shall publish or cause to be published or furnish any advertisement to the general public respecting a narcotic.,” a statement from Health Canada, the nation’s health regulator said.
“Health Canada expects that all parties who are authorized to conduct activities with cannabis adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, and at all times comply with the law. The department is reviewing the actions of existing licensed producers and will be taking every possible step to bring them into compliance or prevent non-compliance with existing laws,” the statement added.
Companies that violate the regulations can face fines or even suspension of their license to produce cannabis.
The clarification comes after several companies, including Canopy Growth Corp., a Canadian marijuana company, have sponsored public events, including Toronto Pride.
Caitlin O’Hara, a spokesperson for the company, told City News Toronto that the company believed it had operated within the bounds of the law.
“We have reviewed all activities with counsel to ensure compliance and continue to work collaboratively with regulators in support of this shared objective,” O’Hara told the publication.
