The breakdown and $MJ closes above its 200 MA.
June 2018 – On June 1, while debating issues related to the sale and distribution of marijuana and packaging, senators passed an amendment from Conservative Sen. Judith Seidman.
Her amendment restricts the sale of marijuana merchandise and promotional products that could appeal to youth. The amendment passed by a vote of 34 to 28.
Debate and possible changes to the bill will continue following this thematic schedule up until the scheduled vote:
Monday, June 4 senators are set to tackle international and border issues related to legalization;
Tuesday, June 5 senators will debate and bring any amendments related to criminal penalties related to the new regime; and
Wednesday June 6 senators will discuss public and mental health matters, consumption, as well as impacts from an Indigenous perspective.
Pending any unforeseen circumstances, Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act is set to be voted on, on Thursday June 7. Woo, citing the over 200 hours of testimony heard on Bill C-45, said he hopes most senators show restraint day-of and offer their contribution to the debate during one of the allotted days spelled out above. He said it would be "highly unexpected," procedurally if anything prevented senators from voting.
Even if it's not until late Thursday, senators may have some parliamentary company, as due to an unrelated government decision, the House of Commons is sitting until midnight that night.
While the Conservative contingent in the Senate has already stated it plans to oppose the passage of the bill, it is yet to be seen what the breakdown of support will be among Independent senators, many of whom have expressed concern with the bill, but have given their approval to see it pass through all stages with the intent of improving the legislation. Woo said he is planning to vote in favour of Bill C-45, because the amendments that senators have passed have improved the legislation, but insisted there will be no whipping of other Independents’ votes.
If Bill C-45 passes, given it has been amended, it will go back to the House of Commons, where the aforementioned legislative ping pong could ensue. It is yet to be seen what if any changes the Senate will insist on, but it’s expected that dealing with the bill if it is sent back will be the Senate's top priority.
Late August or early September 2018 – This is the window of time the federal government is anticipating that marijuana will be fully legalized across the country.
AI
