Manitoba government to ban home grown cannabis despite federal law

Manitobans still won’t be allowed to grow marijuana at home once it’s legal despite a federal law that gives Canadians the right to grow pot at home.

On Tuesday Senators backed down on an amendment to the federal government’s cannabis legalization bill that would have recognized the authority of provincial governments to ban home cultivation of marijuana plants if they so choose.

READ: Marijuana legalization Bill C-45 officially passes senate vote, heading for royal assent

The federal bill specifies that individuals may grow up to four plants per dwelling but Manitoba and Quebec have said they will ban it.

In a statement Tuesday night the Manitoba government said it’s satisfied it has the legal authority to move ahead with that plan.

“We are disappointed that the federal government did not accept the Senate’s amendment as it would have mitigated unnecessary court challenges from proponents of home grown cannabis.”

“We are confident that our government’s decision to prohibit home grown cannabis will keep cannabis out of the hands of our kids and away from the black market.”

It’s not clear what a court challenge might look like but marijuana advocates have already said they would fight the Manitoba government on its ban.

Federal Bill C-45 still needs royal assent before it becomes law, plus eight to 12 weeks for the provinces to get ready for the retail sales of pot.

-With files from the Canadian Press