CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound derived from cannabis sativa plant, primarily used for making cannabis oil, popularly known as CBD oil.

The landscape of the Legal CBD in Canada has seen a tremendous alteration since 2018. The distribution and consumption of CBD have been completely banned on Canadian soil since the beginning. However, after countless rounds of discussion and analysis, the judgment of banning CBD distribution was revoked, making way for the initiation of the Canadian CBD market. On the 17th of October, 2018, the country of Canada embarked on a journey to become the second country to legalize cannabis. Although the legalization has brought immense excitement to consumers, it has ushered great confusion. This article aims to bring clarity to the latter part for cannabis consumers.

Events Associated With The Legalization Of CBD In Canada

After a long period of intense discussions, evaluations, and judgments, the Cannabis Act of Canada came into effect on the 17th of October, 2018. The Act legalized the possession, cultivation, and consumption of cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes.

In 2019, the second phase of the legalization of cannabis commenced, bringing a revolution to the country. In this phase, seven classes of cannabis were approved for distribution and possession in Canada, including THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance found in marijuana.

Other than the country’s laws concerning the use and distribution of cannabis products, the Canadian authorities have also allowed different provinces to create their methods of controlling CBD-related activities and keeping them under check. With certain states in the USA opening their doors for cannabis products, the benefits and monetary success of the cannabis market caught the attention of many countries. For Canada, the primary factor that led to the country lifting the prohibition on marijuana and hemp products was the number of medicinal benefits that the plant has. Countless anecdotal proofs have been reported globally for centuries about the effects of cannabis consumption on chronic pain, depression, arthritis, etc. There are numerous reasons for opening the Canadian doors to the CBD market.

Other than these evident benefits, the Canadian authorities also thought it best to use this legalization to reduce the illegal distribution and consumption of marijuana, especially among youngsters.

Legalization Of CBD 

To closely monitor the ongoing activities in the country, the Canadian authorities have placed extensive restrictions on the CBD market. These restrictions, although necessary, sometimes interfere with the growth prospects of the CBD industry, which otherwise could thrive. Consumers should be aware of the following:

• Scope of CBD Oil

Although the authorities’ intention is in the right place, they are not in sync with the opinions of the masses. Canada has allowed the distribution and consumption of 100% pure CBD oil, which is high in quality and standards. According to some reports, 100% CBD oil has an enhanced efficacy when mixed with a few different compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids. In practice, the flavor, potency, and effectiveness of the benefits of CBD oil are enhanced when it is mixed with these compounds, providing a better experience in some cases.

• CBD Products And Animals

There is limited availability of affirmative scientific conclusions on the benefits of CBD for animals. The Canadian authorities have prohibited the use and availability of CBD products for animals.

However, some animal studies focusing on this aspect of CBD have brought good news by proving certain CBD benefits in animals. Such positive reports bring hope that the Canadian government could allow the use of CBD for animals one day.

• CBD in Foods

The UK and USA have permitted the sale and distribution of CBD in foods with a restricted quantity of 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively. However, Canada is yet to follow this path. Unlike the landscape of the UK and the USA, Canada has not allowed CBD or other cannabinoids to be infused with natural health products.

• Mandatory Licenses for Distribution and Sale

People must have appropriate licenses to become a seller, farmers, or distributors of CBD. Getting these licenses is extremely arduous, leaving the distribution authority in the hands of only a few. Only stores with these mandatory licenses can sell CBD strains and products, making the seller domain very narrow in the country.

• The Laws in Quebec

Canada allows its provinces to further regulate the laws concerning cannabis in their jurisdictions. Following this, Quebec has implemented much stricter laws than anticipated. It has raised the legal age to 21 and disallowed the use of CBD in public. It has also put caps on the possession quantities by households.

Final Thoughts

With the dynamism in the Canadian CBD market, there is still a long time until things finally settle down. With strict laws governing all activities, the country has created a highly controlled environment where it will take time to gauge the effectiveness, demands, and benefits of propelling the CBD market towards success.