Bill 200: Cannabis Control Act (amended)

This bill primarily affects anyone in Nova Scotia involved in selling, distributing, advertising, or providing space for cannabis-related activities. Licensed cannabis retailers and producers need to ensure their advertising and operations stay strictly within authorized channels, as unauthorized promotion now carries fines of $10,000–$25,000. Landlords — whether they own a commercial strip mall, a small rental unit, or a warehouse — are now personally on the hook if they knowingly allow their property to be used in violation of cannabis rules, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Enforcement officers have significantly broader inspection and seizure powers, meaning businesses can expect more rigorous on-site inspections of their premises, vehicles, and packaging. For any operator dealing in quantities large enough to trigger unpaid cannabis tax obligations, there is now an additional fine equal to twice the outstanding tax amount on top of the base penalty.