Yes. The federal government previously banned cannabis under its criminal law power; it can decriminalize it but it cannot dictate regulations on the sale of go

Yes. The federal government previously banned cannabis under its criminal law power; it can decriminalize it but it cannot dictate regulations on the sale of goods - something which ordinarily falls under provincial authority. Take a look at section 92 of the Constitution Act. Canadian provinces have expansive powers to regulate commerce within provincial boundaries. This is recognized in the federal legislation on cannabis which left almost every aspect of retail regulation to the provinces. This is also exactly parallel to how alcohol is regulated in Canada.