A Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) representative revealed that Bill 2 will be amended, allowing for the consumption of cannabis in certain public parks and spaces, with the exception of parks designated for minors.

“This will allow municipalities to exercise their autonomy based on their realities,” says the CAQ representative.

This goes against Quebec Minister François Legault’s original campaign promise to enforce restrictions on cannabis sales and consumption.

Opposition Critic for Health and Public Health André Fortin was pleased to hear about the CAQ decision.

“Every public health expert that we heard said that it was less toxic to smoke outside than to smoke between four walls,” Fortin said, “and we knew that the legislations, for all those that are tenants, would force them to commit an illegal act in order to commit a legal act smoking cannabis.”

Quebec’s Junior Health Minister Lionel Carmant, known for his opposition to the Cannabis Act, said it doesn’t make sense to have one municipality do something different from another, according to Fortin.

Plante and Fortin mirror the opinion that Montreal’s high level of tenancy would make Bill 2 a large issue leaving behind a large number of people unable to smoke cannabis in most areas.

However, the Quebec government is keeping its promise to raise the age of purchase and consumption from 18 to 21. Smoking, it added, will still not be tolerated during outdoor events, festivals and concerts.

The amendments were set to be tabled Tuesday afternoon.

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