August 1, 2015 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, today announced she has directed Health Canada to take a more proactive approach to monitoring illegal advertising of marijuana by non-regulated parties. This will be done using existing authorities under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Health Canada will proactively monitor all forms of marijuana advertising and promotion, and will issue compliance letters in cases where violations are identified. Continued violations may be referred to law enforcement. The department will also be more active in working with businesses to ensure that they are aware of the rules around advertising marijuana for medical purposes. Businesses and individual Canadians will be provided with an opportunity to file complaints about illegal advertising for follow-up.

Consistent with Health Canada’s commitment to openness and transparency, information will be made available on the Health Canada website on advertising activities being investigated...