Legault government wants ban on homegrown cannabis

Province plans to appeal a Superior Court ruling that overturned the ban. The government thinks house plants could create a bad climate in apartment blocks.

QUEBEC — Despite a legal setback, the Legault government does not want Quebecers growing cannabis in their homes for personal consumption.

Junior health minister Lionel Carmant announced Thursday that the Legault government will appeal a September Quebec Superior Court ruling overturning the province’s ban on homegrown cannabis.

“We will go right to the limit in the courts to do what we think is good for Quebecers,” Carmant told reporters arriving for question period at the legislature.

On Sept. 4, Superior Court Judge Manon Lavoie sided with Janick Murray Hall, a citizen contesting a provincial law passed by the Quebec Liberals in June 2018.

Lavoie ruled provisions of the law banning home growing are unconstitutional as they infringe on the jurisdiction of the federal government, which has sole responsibility of legislating on criminal matters.

Quebec had 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling.

Premier François Legault added his two cents moments later, noting the former Liberal government was also opposed to Quebecers being allowed to grow four plants in their home, as the federal cannabis legislation allows.

“There are many property owners who think it would be bad for their rentals to allow the growing of cannabis at home,” Legault said.

“I think it’s the choice of at least two parties in the National Assembly.”

Meanwhile, the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s own cannabis legislation, Bill 9, which would increase the legal age to consume cannabis from 18 to 21, remains mired in the legislative process.

“It’s not easy working with the opposition parties,” Legault said.

“The three of them are opposed to our plan to increase the legal age from 18 to 21.

“Yet once again here a majority of Quebecers agree with us. There is a risk for children under 25, a risk because the brain is not completely developed, a risk they could develop serious health problems like schizophrenia.

“I want this but it’s long working with the opposition.”