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AUTOMOTIVE iStock FALL 2018 BCA A .COM 21 This fall, cannabis becomes legal in Canada – know the rules and stay safe on the road BY KAY MILLER Into the Green Yes, it's happening: recreational cannabis is becoming legal in Canada. We've scanned government sources for the most important recent developments: 1. Legalization occurs October 17, 2018 In BC, the legal age to buy and consume cannabis is 19, matching the legal age to buy and consume alcohol (cannabis remains illegal for minors). Cannabis will be sold in government-run outlets under the name "BC Cannabis Stores," as well as in licensed private shops, including online. Retail stores will be allowed to sell a maximum 30 grams of dried cannabis, or its equivalent in oil, to an individual at one time – the same amount adults are allowed to possess at one time. 2. There are rules for carrying, consuming and growing cannabis The new laws ban cannabis smoking and vaping everywhere tobacco smoking and vaping are prohibited. That includes schools, playgrounds, sports fields and skate parks, for instance. And, of course, using cannabis inside vehicles is illegal, even for passengers. Cannabis growing has limits, too. In BC, adults will be allowed to grow up to four plants per household, as long as the plants aren't visible from public spaces outside the property. Cultivation is banned in homes that are used as daycares. While cannabis will soon be legal in Canada, this is not necessarily the case in other countries. Always be aware of and follow the laws wherever you're travelling. And forget about carrying cannabis across any international border – this is still strictly prohibited, regardless of the law in either country. 3. New impaired driving laws and penalties come into effect this year Recently passed Bill C-46, the Impaired Driving Act, establishes new penalties and criminal offences for driving under the influence, along with new roadside drug- and alcohol-testing measures for police: NEW PENALTIES FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING Under recently passed Bill C-46, the maximum allowable blood level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the chemical in cannabis that causes impairment) is 2 nanograms. Drivers caught with blood levels higher than 2 ng are subject to fines and criminal charges: THC level between 2 ng and 5 ng: Summary offence; maximum fine of $1,000. THC level over 5 ng: First offence: minimum fine of $1,000. Second offence: 30 days in jail. Third offence: 120 days in jail. THC level over 2.5 ng + blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.05: First offence: minimum fine of $1,000. Second offence: 30 days in jail. Third offence: 120 days in jail. Drug-impaired driving causing bodily harm: Up to 10 years in jail. For the most up-to-date information about impaired driving rules, visit: justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa LEARN MORE For more on legal cannabis, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety or canada.ca/en/services/health/ campaigns/cannabis.html

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