If the Cannabis Control Act becomes law, Nova Scotians are looking at some harsh weed regulations. Not only will this legislation permit strict penalties for driving high, but it means that landlords may ban weed after legalization in this Canadian province. Here’s a closer look at what this means for renters in Nova Scotia.

The Cannabis Control Act

Due to the nature of recreational cannabis legislation in Canada, each province is responsible for determining and enforcing their own cannabis laws. Nova Scotia is one of the last provinces to create a provincial system for controlling cannabis.

And Nova Scotia’s proposed marijuana laws are strict. Only those 19 and older can buy cannabis in the province, mirroring the drinking age. This is a year older than the legal marijuana/drinking age in Quebec. Authorities plan on strict enforcement of this age restriction.

Justice Minister Furey is the main political force behind the Cannabis Control Act. He recently told the press, “Our main priority has been the health and safety of Nova Scotians, especially children and youth.”

This translates to up to $10,000 fines for selling to the underaged, and $150 for consuming cannabis when you’re underaged.

Additionally, Nova Scotian authorities will issue high fines and potential jail time to those caught driving under the influence of marijuana. The fine for a first-time offense ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 and includes a year-long license suspension. If caught driving high a second time, offenders will receive 30 days in jail and will lose their licenses for over a year.

Another important component of Nova Scotia’s Cannabis Control Act is its focus on curbing illegal weed sales. Just like Quebec, the Nova Scotian provincial government will have complete control of the marijuana market. The Nova Scotia Liquor Corp will offer weed alongside alcohol at liquor stores.

The Cannabis Control Act Allows Landlords to Evict For Smoking Weed

Landlords may ban weed after legalization in this Canadian province because the Cannabis Control Act gives them the authority to do so. Per these new laws, those who do not own property are subject to the rules spelled out by the proprietor.

Nova Scotia law permits possession of 30 grams of cannabis and a maximum of 4 marijuana plants. Not for the renter, though. For many, the Cannabis Control Act will mean that they can’t smoke or grow weed in the privacy of their home.

According to this new legislation, landlords have to alert their tenants whether they are or are not allowed to smoke or grow weed. The deadline to do so is April 30, 2019. If a landlord decides to ban marijuana, the tenant has one month to give their three month’s notice.

There Are Some Serious Gaps In This Legislation

This poses a problem when considering other components of the Nova Scotia’s Cannabis Control Act. There are some strict restrictions on outdoor smoking, too. This legislation will ban smoking in outdoor areas where children are present. This extends to parks, hiking areas and playgrounds.

Smoking is also not allowed in cars, whether you’re the driver or the passenger. If transporting weed, it must be in a sealed container.

By comparison, Calgary, Alberta is looking to ban all public marijuana smoking and will allow landlords to ban smoking or growing cannabis.

Though Nova Scotia’s laws are laxer, this legislation will still make it difficult to smoke weed anywhere, for recreational or medical purposes. It also doesn’t explain where people can grow marijuana for personal consumption.

Final Hit: Landlords May Ban Weed After Legalization in This Canadian Province

The legalization of recreational weed in Canada comes with more than a few caveats. Not only will the government have the exclusive right to sell marijuana, and police will enforce these laws at great cost, but landlords will have control over where you smoke and grow weed.

Though the motivation behind legalization is to crack down on illegal activity, strict laws may leave Canadians no choice but to break them.