Director and Officer Liability under the Cannabis Act (Canada)

Summary

After receiving Royal Assent on June 21, 2018, An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts (Bill C-45) became effective on October 17, providing legal access to cannabis and controlling and regulating its production, distribution and sale. While this new legislation has overhauled the Canadian cannabis industry, corporations as well as their directors and officers need to be cognizant of the new risks and liabilities that these provisions have established. The federal Cannabis Act, S.C. 2018, c. 16 (“CA”), legislates numerous offences and violations and imposes significant punishments upon those who contravene them.