Police undercover officers can now be exempted from Criminal Code conspiracy and related offences during cannabis operations

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The Cannabis Act has been amended to allow regulations to exempt designated police officers (and people acting under their direction) from Criminal Code provisions covering conspiracy, attempt, accessory after the fact, and counselling offences related to cannabis. Previously, regulatory exemptions for undercover or covert operations only covered provisions within the Cannabis Act itself and its regulations. This new provision closes a gap by extending potential exemptions to these specific ancillary Criminal Code offences. Law enforcement agencies conducting authorized cannabis-related operations should be aware that regulations may now be made to provide this broader protection for designated officers. Cannabis licence holders and compliance teams are not directly affected by this change.

Who this affects: designated police forces · military police · persons acting under direction of designated officers · law enforcement compliance and legal teams