C-5.3, r. 1 - Regulation respecting training on the retail sale of cannabis and information to be communicated to a purchaser in the course of a cannabis sale

Updated to 18 March 2021

This document has official status.

chapter C-5.3, r. 1

Regulation respecting training on the retail sale of cannabis and information to be communicated to a purchaser in the course of a cannabis sale

Cannabis Regulation Act

(chapter C-5.3, ss. 30 and 31, 2nd par.).

DIVISION I TRAINING ON THE RETAIL SALE OF CANNABIS

M.O. 2018-019, Div. I.

1. Training on the retail sale of cannabis referred to in section 30 of the Act is training that meets the following conditions:

(1)  it is developed by the Minister and the Société québécoise du cannabis and its content complies with the guidelines and includes the components provided for in Schedule I;

(2)  it is offered by the Société.

M.O. 2018-019, s. 1.

2. To maintain the validity of their certificate, cannabis sales employees must successfully complete all refresher training activities determined by the Minister in cooperation with the Société québécoise du cannabis, within the time and according to the terms determined by the latter.

M.O. 2018-019, s. 2.

DIVISION II INFORMATION TO BE COMMUNICATED TO A PURCHASER

M.O. 2018-019, Div. II.

3. In the course of a cannabis sale, the Société québécoise du cannabis must provide a purchaser with a document that contains all the information provided for in Schedule II.

M.O. 2018-019, s. 3.

4. (Omitted).

M.O. 2018-019, s. 4.

Schedule I

(s. 1)

TRAINING ON THE RETAIL SALE OF CANNABIS

Training guidelines

1. Adopt a balanced approach to avoid both trivializing and dramatizing the use of cannabis and its consequences.

2. Focus on the importance of communicating accurate information based on scientific facts, in particular with respect to the information communicated to purchasers regarding the effects of the products.

3. Promote the identification of reliable sources of information regarding cannabis and focus on the importance for both the sales employee and the purchaser to take a critical look at certain other sources of information, in particular those from the cannabis industry.

4. Position the role of cannabis sales employees on providing advice and support to purchasers so they can make informed choices, while also explaining the risks of such products, and making recommendations to reduce them.

5. Advocate, as much as possible, in the context of the sale, the occasional use of cannabis and the use of products with low concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

6. Clearly specify that individuals who want to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes or who ask for advice on health problems or the possible interaction between cannabis and their medication must be referred to a health professional.

7. Ensure that cannabis sales employees fully understand the legislative framework regarding cannabis, in particular regarding the refusal to sell to a minor or to a person of full age who is purchasing for a minor.

Training components

— Introduction to cannabis botany

A- Components and constituents of the plant;

B- Where cannabis comes from (cultivation and production).

— Analysis

A- Testing of cannabinoids and terpenes;

B- Analysis of pesticides and contaminants.

— Guidelines to reduce the risks related to cannabis consumption

A- Risk reduction principles;

B- Risks associated with cannabis use.

— Cannabis consumers

A- Consumption profile;

B- Portrait of consumers and destigmatization;

C- Approach respecting the mission of the Société québécoise du cannabis.

— Cannabis pharmacology

A- Route of administration;

B- Effects and duration;

C- Understanding THC and CBD levels (%, mg, etc.).

— Cannabis products

A- Different types of cannabis products;

B- Methods of administration and associated properties.

— Consumer approach

A- Interactions and consumer behaviour;

B- Understanding the needs and requests of consumers;

C- Helping consumers make informed choices;

D- Familiarization with labelling and product information;

E- Warnings;

F- Cannabis and alcohol;

G- Cannabis and other substances.

— Navigating information on cannabis products

A- Sources of information.

— Understanding the law

A- Review of cannabis laws and regulations;

B- Framework of federal and provincial laws;

C- Verification of age.

M.O. 2018-019, Sch. I; M.O. 2021-006, s. 1.

SCHEDULE II

(s. 3)

CONSUMER INFORMATION

WHAT IS CANNABIS?

Cannabis is composed of more than 500 different substances, the main ones being

— delta9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): a psychoactive substance that causes a “high”; and

— cannabidiol (CBD): a substance generally not psychoactive.

Also worthy of mention is the presence of terpenes, the substances that provide cannabis with its aromatic properties.

Cannabis consumption affects several functions of the body and central nervous system and all the effects of the various substances contained in cannabis are not yet known. Each person reacts differently and several factors influence the consumption experience: the person’s physical and mental state, the product and quantity consumed, and the context in which it is used.

CANNABIS CONSUMPTION - CERTAIN FACTS TO BE AWARE OF

Cannabis consumption has health and safety risks. It remains difficult to predict whether or not an individual will experience significant problems after using cannabis. In short, experts agree that cannabis use is never completely safe.

If you believe you need cannabis for medical purposes, consult your physician to discuss the matter and evaluate the options available under the federal provisions regarding access to cannabis for medical purposes.

HOW TO USE CANNABIS RESPONSIBLY AND REDUCE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

Use cannabis on an occasional basis

Using cannabis regularly (every day or almost every day) increases the risks to your health, performance at work or school or your social life. There is a time for everything. Keep in mind that cannabis alters your perception, concentration and coordination.

Choose quality products and identify your limits

Try to use products with a low THC concentration and wait until you feel the effects before considering further use. Extremely high THC concentrations can cause overly intense effects and make you feel unwell (for example: pulse rate increase, anxiety, disorientation).

By choosing the legal market, you will obtain products that are subject to quality controls, whether for THC and CBD concentrations or the presence of pesticides and mould. Remember that only the Société québécoise du cannabis is legally authorized to sell cannabis products for non-medical use to consumers in Québec. Be wary of websites that offer cannabis and argue otherwise, and products containing synthetic cannabinoids such as K2 or Spice.

Go easy with edible products you prepare and eat

Edible cannabis products are not harmful to your lungs although it is not easy to estimate the quantities of THC and CBD being absorbed. Also, the effect takes longer to be felt (30 to 60 minutes, sometimes longer) and lasts longer (6 to 8 hours, sometimes longer). Start with a low dose of THC, ideally less than 2.5 mg, and avoid consuming more within the next 2 to 3 hours so as to reduce the risks of overdose.

Store edible products in a secure location so that children or household pets cannot ingest them by accident.

Protect your lungs

If you smoke, do not hold the cannabis smoke in your lungs. Taking a big puff and keeping it in as long as possible only extends the time your lungs are exposed to the toxic substances.

The other inhalable cannabis products available in another form such as vaping solutions also involve a degree of risk.

Be considerate toward your family and loved ones

Do not expose them to second-hand cannabis smoke.

Do not drive or operate machinery after using cannabis

Plan your return home when you intend to use cannabis by designating a sober driver, calling a cab or using public transportation.

Even if you try to be careful, cannabis increases your reaction time and reduces your attention span. You run the risk of being involved in an accident and that risk is compounded if you consume alcohol along with the cannabis.

Be wary of mixing

Mixing cannabis with alcohol increases the effects of either substance, so much so that you may feel sick, dizzy or even vomit.

Mixing cannabis with tobacco should also be avoided since doing so can amplify the effects and result in more serious consequences for your health, not to mention that tobacco is a highly addictive product.

Cannabis and medication? There could be interactions with medications you are taking. Talk to a health professional, such as your pharmacist, to find out more.

SHOULD YOU REFRAIN FROM USING CANNABIS?

If you are a young adult, you should put off your first use of cannabis for as long as possible, ideally until you are over 25. The younger you start using cannabis, especially before the age of 16, the greater the risks.

If you or a member of your immediate family has a history of psychosis, addiction or mental health issues, you should reconsider using cannabis because the risk of experiencing problems associated with cannabis is much higher.

While you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid cannabis. The substances contained in cannabis pass through the placenta and breast milk. Using cannabis could adversely affect the development of your child.

MORE ABOUT CERTAIN HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS

Cognitive functions: Regular cannabis use reduces short-term memory, attention span, concentration and the ability to organize, integrate and process complex information.

Accidents and injuries: Cannabis affects the functions necessary to drive a motor vehicle and operate machinery. It increases reaction time and reduces attention span, the ability to maintain a trajectory and vigilance. The impairment caused by cannabis doubles the risk of road accidents.

Respiratory system: Regular cannabis smokers cough more and have more secretions and symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Cannabis smoke is harmful and contains more tar than tobacco smoke.

Prenatal exposure: Using cannabis during pregnancy could cause the child to experience certain developmental delays.

Mental health problems: Regular use of cannabis may affect mental health. It may trigger schizophrenia prematurely or other psychoses in individuals with a personal or family history of mental health problems.

Addiction: Cannabis addiction affects approximately 1 out of 10 users. Daily consumption increases the risk to 1 out of 4 persons, and sometimes even 1 out of 2 persons.

CANNABIS REGULATION MEASURES

To learn more about the measures regulating cannabis in Québec, including possession, cultivation and consumption, as well as the measures that deal with highway safety, go to www.québec.ca/cannabis.

Keep in mind that in Québec, unless there is an exception, smoking cannabis in places open to the public is prohibited. It may be possible to do so in some designated parks if the municipality has passed a by-law expressly permitting it. To avoid being on the wrong side of the law, make sure you know the rules that apply in the provinces, territories and cities you find yourself in.

As a final point, entering or leaving the country with cannabis is strictly prohibited. Be extra careful, even the simple smell of cannabis could cause you problems when going through customs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE

Further information on cannabis may be found at www.québec.ca/cannabis.

If you experience a health problem after using cannabis or need advice or references, contact InfoSanté (free and confidential telephone consultation service) at 8-1-1.

To reduce or stop cannabis use

Cannabis users may wish to ease off or quit. Some people may feel the need for professional help. The following are services available:

— telephone service: Drugs: help and referral (available at all times, free, anonymous and confidential) at 1 800 265-2626;

— telephone service: Info-Social (available at all times, free, anonymous and confidential) at 8-1-1;

— integrated health and social service centres: the centres provide free services in all regions for individuals wishing to reduce or stop using cannabis. Contact your CLSC or visit www.sante.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire-ressources/clsc/;

— community or private resources offering addiction lodging: to find a resource, consult the resource directory at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/repertoires/dependances/.

M.O. 2018-019, Sch. II; M.O. 2021-006, s. 2.

REFERENCES

M.O. 2018-019, 2019 G.O. 2, 30

M.O. 2021-006, 2021 G.O. 2, 774