N.S. asks for feedback on legal marijuana age of 19, sales at Crown corporation

The Nova Scotia government is seeking feedback on a legal age of 19 for marijuana use, with sales through a Crown corporation like the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.

The province launched an online survey Friday asking for input on marijuana restrictions ahead of its legalization next summer.

It is also asking where recreational cannabis use should be allowed, and what to do on drugimpaired driving.

Justice Minister Mark Furey says the province wants to hear from Nova Scotians as the government develops “a well-regulated legal market that encourages responsible use and minimizes organized crime.”

He said the government’s top priority is protect citizens’ health and safety.

The online survey runs until Oct. 27.

The federal government tabled legislation in the spring to legalize recreational use of marijuana by July 1 and provinces have been consulting with the public or rolling out details of their cannabis plans.

On Wednesday, Alberta proposed to make 18 the minimum age to use cannabis, with no decision yet on whether to sell cannabis through government-run stores or through private operators.

Last month, Ontario announced it plans to set the minimum age at 19 and sell cannabis through governmentrun outlets. New Brunswick has said it will use a Crown corporation model, and a legislature committee has recommended a minimum age of 19.

Ottawa has remained firm on the start date for the new laws liberalizing marijuana, despite pushback from provinces, territories and police organizations that say it might be too ambitious given the complexity of the regulations involved.