article-image

Cannabis laws across Canada: provincial regulations you need to know for 2024

0

views icon

Since the legalization of cannabis across Canada in October 2018, both recreational and medical use are regulated at the national level. However, provinces and territories have the authority to establish their own rules regarding where cannabis can be consumed, how much can be possessed, and other restrictions. Whether you're a Canadian resident or planning to visit, it’s essential to understand these rules.


Full legalization

Cannabis legalization in Canada applies nationwide, meaning that both recreational and medical cannabis use is legal for adults. However, each province or territory may have its own regulations regarding cultivation, consumption, and possession. Below are the typical guidelines across Canada:


1. Home cultivation:

  • In most provinces, adults are allowed to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household for personal use.
  • Some provinces, like Quebec and Manitoba, do not allow home cultivation for recreational use, although medical users may be exempted.
  • Plants must be grown indoors or in private spaces, not visible from public areas.


2. Where to smoke:

  • Cannabis consumption is generally restricted in public spaces, such as parks, schools, and playgrounds.
  • In most provinces, it is allowed on private property, but in provinces like Ontario and Alberta, smoking is allowed in public where tobacco smoking is permitted.
  • Some cities or provinces may have designated cannabis lounges, but they are rare.


3. Possession limits:

  • Adults can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public.
  • Larger amounts may be stored at home, but the 30-gram limit applies when carrying cannabis in public.


4. Sales:

  • Cannabis is sold through licensed retailers, either government-operated or private, depending on the province.
  • Online sales are legal through government portals, with direct-to-consumer delivery.
  • Selling cannabis without a license is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.


Medical use only

In Canada, medical cannabis has been legal since 2001. Medical users have certain advantages compared to recreational users, such as higher possession limits and more flexibility in the forms of cannabis they can access. Here’s a breakdown of medical cannabis regulations:


1. Home cultivation:

  • Medical patients with a prescription can grow more than the recreational limit of 4 plants, depending on their prescription.
  • They must apply for a license through Health Canada, and they can designate a caregiver to grow on their behalf.


2. Where to smoke:

  • Medical cannabis use generally follows the same restrictions as recreational use, but some exceptions may be made in workplaces or public spaces, depending on provincial laws.


3. Possession limits:

  • Medical users can generally possess up to a 30-day supply, with some patients allowed to carry more than the 30-gram limit that applies to recreational users.
  • Patients are allowed to possess larger quantities if authorized by their healthcare provider.


4. Sales:

  • Medical cannabis is purchased through licensed producers registered with Health Canada.
  • Unlike recreational users, medical patients can access more potent cannabis products, such as stronger oils or capsules.


Key differences between full legalization and medical use in Canada:

  1. Who can use:
  • Full legalization: Adults 18+ (or 19+ in some provinces)
  • Medical use only: Only patients with a valid medical prescription
  1. Home cultivation:
  • Full legalization: Allowed, 4 plants per household
  • Medical use only: Allowed, potentially more than 4 plants with a license
  1. Where to smoke:
  • Full legalization: Private property, some public areas permitted
  • Medical use only: Same as recreational use, with possible exceptions
  1. Possession limits:
  • Full legalization: 30 grams in public
  • Medical use only: Up to a 30-day supply; can exceed 30 grams if needed
  1. Sales:
  • Full legalization: Through licensed private or government retailers
  • Medical use only: Through licensed medical producers; more flexibility in product strength


Province-by-province breakdown of cannabis regulations in Canada:


Alberta
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed where smoking tobacco is permitted
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private retail, government online store


British Columbia
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed where smoking tobacco is permitted
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private and government stores, government online store


Manitoba
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Not allowed for recreational users
  • Public consumption: Prohibited
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private retail, government online store


New Brunswick
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Prohibited in public places
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Prohibited
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private retail, government online store


Nova Scotia
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed where smoking tobacco is permitted
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Ontario
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed where smoking tobacco is permitted
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private and government stores, government online store


Prince Edward Island
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Prohibited in public places
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Quebec
  • Minimum age: 21
  • Home cultivation: Not allowed for recreational users
  • Public consumption: Prohibited
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Saskatchewan
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Prohibited in public places
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Private retail, government online store


Northwest Territories
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed in some public places
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Nunavut
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Prohibited in public places
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store


Yukon
  • Minimum age: 19
  • Home cultivation: Up to 4 plants
  • Public consumption: Allowed where smoking tobacco is permitted
  • Possession limit: 30 grams
  • Sales: Government-run stores, government online store

This general overview applies across Canada, but remember that each province or territory may have its own specific rules. Always check local laws before consuming or purchasing cannabis.

From 2025, traveling across Canada will become even more accessible! Booking a hotel room or hostel bed will be cheaper through Your Price Booking. This platform allows you to secure accommodations at lower prices, giving you more options for a budget-friendly trip.