The Canadian federal government announced on Thursday that an independent panel of experts would be reviewing the impact of the country’s cannabis legalization on public health, youth consumption, and Indigenous persons and communities.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the review was being broadened, however, to examine whether legal cannabis has also made progress in displacing the illegal black market. The review will also take a look at the economic, social and environmental impacts of legalization.
The panel will be led by Morris Rosenberg — a lawyer by background. He also previously served as deputy minister of justice, health and foreign affairs.
The other four members of the panel have not been announced yet. The group plans to hear from the public, governments, Indigenous Peoples, youth, marginalized and racialized communities, cannabis industry representatives and medical cannabis users. Experts in health, substance use, criminal justice and law enforcement will also be consulted. They will have to return with their conclusions within 18 months.
