SQ prepares to enforce legal cannabis rules

With the Cannabis Act about to come into effect, the Sûreté du Québec wants to inform the public that it will continue to fight the illegal production of the drug, particularly in the context of the new ACCES Cannabis program against the underground economy.

Through the program, which is modeled on those already in place in the fight against contraband alcohol and illegal tobacco products, the SQ intends to step up its fight against cannabis smuggling along all stages of supply, ranging from illegal production to neighborhood dealing all over Quebec.

The Force is announcing that 54 new police officers will be active throughout Quebec, also monitoring online trafficking. Among the new officers, three joint squads composed of police officers from the SQ and municipal police departments have been set up.

Despite the Cannabis Act coming into effect on October 17, certain activities outside the legal framework will remain criminal or penal offenses. They include production, possession for the purpose of trafficking, sale on the black market, and import and export.

In addition, the SQ will continue to intervene with cannabis growers and sellers who operate outside the legal framework, in particular by holding regional eradication days during the harvest period throughout the territory served by the SQ.

The Cannabis Act’s provincial regulations adopted on June 12, 2018 by the Government of Quebec, stipulate that the cultivation of cannabis for personal purposes is prohibited and requires citizens to purchase their goods online or from Société québécois du cannabis outlets.