The Manitoba government introduced amendments to the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act on Wednesday.

The amendments now allow Manitobans aged 19 and over to grow up to four cannabis plants per residence.

“Manitoba will now align with federal legislation on cannabis by allowing people to grow up to four plants per residence,” says Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “This amendment is a direct response to Manitoba consumers and was one of our campaign promises. This bill will provide Manitobans the opportunity to grow their own cannabis as long as it is done in a safe and secure way. The regulatory framework will prioritize public safety, with a focus on protecting youth and ensuring cannabis plants are not accessible to young people.”

Proposed amendments would abolish the prohibition of the residential cultivation of cannabis in the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act and allow adults aged 19 and over to grow up to four cannabis plants per residence, the maximum permitted under the federal Cannabis Act. The minister adds that safety and security requirements for homegrown cannabis would be established as a part of the regulation.

“We are incredibly pleased with the Manitoba government’s decision to bring our laws into alignment with the federal Cannabis Act and the rest of the country,” explains Jesse Lavoie, founder of TobaGrown. “It’s been a long journey for us at TobaGrown to reach this point and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the Manitoba cannabis community. Thank you Premier Kinew and the Manitoba government.”