Strategic environmental and economic assessment: Continuing the implementation of the Framework for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Canada
On this page
- Program background
- Key findings
- Environmental analysis
- Strategic economic analysis
- Cross cutting considerations
Program background
The Cannabis Program focuses on implementing the federal framework to legalize and strictly regulate cannabis, with the goal of keeping cannabis out of the hands of young people while keeping profits out of the hands of organized crime.
Key findings
As per the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment, a detailed strategic environmental and economic assessment was completed for the proposal to continue the implementation of the Cannabis Program.
Environmental analysis
The environmental analysis concluded that the Program will not produce any significant effects related to greenhouse gases, nature and/or biodiversity, or other environmental effects. Also, any projected impacts of climate change would not pose a risk to the proposal achieving its objectives, nor will the proposal affect climate change adaptation or climate resilience in Canada.
Strategic economic analysis
A qualitative assessment was conducted for the components of the proposal in scope for the economic analysis. The assessment determined there are no local or sectoral economic impacts, and indicated medium short-term impacts and low long-term impacts at the national level.
Cross cutting considerations
This proposal includes funding for the oversight of cannabis activities, within the cannabis framework, for the Government of Canada to continue to engage with Indigenous leadership, organizations, and communities.
The proposal supports the following three of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals: Support mental health and adopt healthy behaviours; advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequality; and reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Public perspectives related to the environmental impact of the proposal include some minor concerns related to the cannabis program requirements, primarily related to packaging and labelling.