Another week begins as we slowly march (lurch?) toward the dawn of a new era. On June 7th the Senate approved Bill C-45, setting out the parameters for the production, possession and sale of recreational marijuana, and sent it back to the House of Commons with amendments, one being to let provinces decide whether to allow home cultivation. The Liberal government proceeded to reject that one among others, saying Canadians can make their own beer and wine at home and can grow cannabis for medical purposes so it’s logical for legislation to be consistent when it comes to recreational cannabis. The feds say people can grow up to four plants at home but the provinces will be able to restrict the quantity to as few as one if they wish. Manitoba and Quebec have already stated they won’t allow cultivation in the home so we’ll see if others follow suit and if there are ensuing court battles between such provinces and the feds. Our Saskatchewan government is still exploring rules as to where and how cannabis can be grown. If you are a non-smoker, a year from now, July 1, 2019, edibles and concentrates will be legalized. And this is interesting: the normal cost of a new business licence in Saskatoon is $125 with an annual renewal fee of $85. City administration last week recommended the city charge a $20,000 licensing fee for a retail cannabis store’s first year of operation and a $10,000 annual renewal charge. And on we go into this brave new world.

That’s Coffeetalk. I’m Vic Dubois.