It looks like Nova Scotia will be limiting where you can smoke before Canada legalizes weed late this summer. This Canadian province doubling down on public smoking restrictions is looking to amend its Smoke-Free Places Act. If the provincial government passes this amendment, smokers of tobacco and marijuana alike will face steep fines for smoking in cars and some public places. So what exactly are these new restrictions? Do they aim to completely prevent people from consuming legal recreational cannabis altogether?
What Are The New Restrictions?
The amendment to the Smoke-Free Places Act would apply to both marijuana and tobacco. The new regulations would prevent smoking within 20 meters of an outdoor sports center or playground, on a beach or in a park (except in a campsite) and within 9 meters of hiking trails.
The fine for breaking any of these laws would be a maximum of $2,000. So it looks like you can forget about toking up during an early morning hike to watch the sunrise more vividly. Those who hoped to do so will surely be disappointed.
What Motivated This Amendment?
The goal behind the proposed amendment is to limit marijuana smoking before legalization, after which it will become much more prevalent.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Mark Furey explains to CBC News, “It was important to align the consumption of cannabis with the consumption of cigarette smoke in public spaces.”
According to Health Minister Randy Delorey, Nova Scotian authorities want to limit children’s exposure to second-hand smoke. This applies to cigarettes and marijuana alike. They also don’t want children to have access to vapes.
Not only is this a health concern but, according to Delorey, “we don’t want to normalize the practice.”
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