Manitoba explores cannabis consumption lounges

| Staff

Manitoba’s Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) launched public consultation today to determine demand for a license to allow on-site service and consumption of edible or ingestible cannabis products.

Manitobans will be able to respond to a public survey looking at both licensed establishments and licensed events for cannabis consumption.

Smoking and vaping cannabis would still remain prohibited, though, and cannabis consumption licences would only include edibles, oils and topicals. One of the questions asks if alcohol should be allowed at such possible businesses, as well.

“We are seeking the input of Manitobans to better understand their level of comfort with edible and ingestible cannabis products, licensed consumption spaces, and whether there is a desire for these types of businesses or services” says Kristianne Dechant, Executive Director and CEO of the LGCA.

Added Dechant, “Manitoba’s regulatory framework for cannabis will continue to evolve, and we need to make sure that changes reflect Manitobans’ expectations for this consumer product.”

The LGCA regularly conducts public consultations and research to inform legislative and policy development. Feedback gathered from this process will inform the government’s decision-making processes related to cannabis consumption spaces.

Visit LGCAmb.ca to participate in this consultation. The online public engagement will be open until Wednesday, September 30, 2020. In light of COVID-19 and in an effort to promote physical distancing, in-person consultations will not be held.