What to know about cannabis now that it’s legal
Rules you should know about legal recreational marijuana use in Canada
Cannabis is officially legal in Canada. On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act came into force, essentially legalizing the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
The reasons for doing so have been hotly debated, but the federal government claims it will prevent youth from accessing cannabis and displace the illegal market.
With its legalization comes a framework of rules, however, for everything from production to selling to possession. And using more than what the law allows remain illegal.
Here are 11 rules about marijuana use in Canada:
1. It’s legal just for adults. Like for alcohol use, this means 19 years of age, except in Alberta and Quebec where it’s 18.
2. Adults are able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis in public — that’s the same in all provinces and territories.
3. Legally, they can only purchase cannabis products from a designated provincial or territorial retailer.
4. They can grow up to four plants per residence (not per person) for personal use from licensed seeds or seedlings. They can’t sell the stuff they grow at home to others, however.
5. Each province and territory also have its own rules for cannabis, including where you can buy and use it. You must respect the laws of the province or territory you are in. In B.C., for example, smoking is prohibited everywhere tobacco smoking and vaping are prohibited, as well as at playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, and other places where children commonly gather. Check the rules on where you can use pot in your province or territory here.
6. Municipalities may also pass bylaws to regulate the use of cannabis locally. Employers, businesses and property owners may also put restrictions in place on cannabis use.
7. It’s illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border, whether you’re coming or leaving. This applies to all countries, whether cannabis is legal there or not.
8. Legal cannabis products are only sold through retailers authorized by your provincial or territorial government. You can tell because they have an excise stamp on the package.
9. Adults will be able to purchase fresh and dried cannabis, cannabis oils and seeds or plants for cultivation. Edibles and concentrates are not yet legal for purchase in Canada. The government is working on developing federal regulations for their production, which will take at least a year from now.
10. With one of the goals of legalization to prevent access for youth, there are serious criminal penalties for those who sell or provide it to youth. The
11. Drug-impaired driving is illegal. Do not drive high. There could be serious implications for permanent residents who are caught driving impaired.
READ MORE: Cannabis Act stricter driving rules can impact immigrants
Health warnings about marijuana use
Cannabis, like alcohol and tobacco, can pose a number of health risks, including to the way the brain functions, impacting things like memory and learning. You should not use cannabis if you are a youth or are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Where to buy cannabis: province by province
British Columbia
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated stores or online
Alberta
Legal age: 18
Where legal to buy: private licensed stores or online
Saskatchewan
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: private licensed stores or online
Manitoba
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: private licensed stores or online
Ontario
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated online store
Quebec
Legal age: 18
Where legal to buy: government-operated stores or online
New Brunswick
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated stores or online
Newfoundland and Labrador
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: private licensed stores or online
Nova Scotia
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: Government-operated stores or online
Prince Edward Island
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated stores or online
North West Territories
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: Government-operated stores or online
Nunavut
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated online store or by phone
Yukon
Legal age: 19
Where legal to buy: government-operated stores or online