Cannabis Legalization in Canada

Cannabis legalization in Canada has made it simple for anyone aged 19 or above (18 or above in Quebec and Alberta) to get their hands on high-quality, legal weed. All kinds of strains are available in Canadian cannabis stores and online, along with a range of other products such as concentrates, oils, and edibles.

The country now has some of the most liberal cannabis laws in the world. With that said, there are still some important rules and regulations you need to be aware of if you plan to use cannabis in Canada. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis laws in Canada.

Cannabis Legalization in Canada

Many places around the world are now becoming more accepting of weed, and Canada is no exclusion. Cannabis became legal in Canada back in October 2018, allowing users all across the country to buy and use marijuana strains, concentrates, tinctures, and other such products.

There are still some caveats. Public possession laws limit users to 30 grams of dried flower or the equivalent of other products. Users must also not smoke in their vehicles or anywhere near children. You’re also strictly forbidden from selling cannabis without a license, giving cannabis to minors or taking cannabis across Canada’s borders.

Other than that, each province and territory sets its own laws on the age you need to be to use cannabis, whether you can grow your own, and where you can use it. In most provinces, anyone aged 19 or above with proof of identity can buy cannabis, grow cannabis, and use it in private. However, there are some notable differences between provinces.

Who Can Buy Cannabis in Canada?

Adults aged 19 or above are can buy cannabis anywhere in Canada. While federal laws state that you’re able to use cannabis from 18, all provinces have raised the legal age to 19 except for two. In Alberta and Quebec, you’re able to use cannabis from the age of 18. 

You don’t need any kind of medical card or prescription to buy cannabis in Canada. However, you will need to provide a valid form of ID to prove your age when you buy any cannabis products. The same applies both to in-store purchases and online purchases of cannabis.

Canadian cannabis laws are generous and users can buy from various cannabis stores, both legal and online. Tourists are also able to buy cannabis in Canada, although they must still provide proof of age and must not take cannabis outside of Canada. Users should also be aware of the public possession limits in Canada- you’re restricted to carrying up to 30 grams of dried flower or the equivalent of other products. However, you can keep more at home.

Where Can You Buy Cannabis in Canada?

Users in Canada have multiple choices for where to buy cannabis. Many provinces now have physical cannabis stores available where you can walk in and buy cannabis over the counter. All you need is some ID to prove your age. Some provinces only allow weed to be sold via government-run stores whereas some also have private retail stores available.

The cannabis stores available near you will largely depend on where you live. Big cities such as Vancouver and Calgary have much more than small towns, and some provinces and territories are still in the process of getting all of their weed stores running.

If buying weed physically isn’t an option for you or you want a more convenient method, it’s also easy to buy cannabis online in Canada. Online stores like West Coast Cannabis deliver cannabis products all over the country. In addition to various strains of weed, you can also order concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and all kinds of other cannabis products straight to your doorstep.

Where Can You Smoke Cannabis in Canada?

Where exactly you’re able to use cannabis will largely depend on where you are in the country. Provinces have different laws on where you’re able to smoke weed publicly, with some being much more generous than others.

In every province and territory, you’re able to use cannabis in private residences and properties. However, landlords can restrict the use of cannabis on their properties, which can cause a problem for users who rent their accommodation. Private outdoor spaces such as gardens are also fine.

Some provinces allow you to smoke in certain public places. For instance, in Ontario, you can smoke in parks, streets, and fields as long as you are not near children or playgrounds. You must also never use cannabis in a vehicle. Some provinces are also considering setting up cannabis lounges where users can smoke freely in public. Check your local cannabis laws to see where you can use cannabis legally.

Cannabis Growing Laws in Canada

Most legal adults in Canada can also grow cannabis at home. You’re able to grow up to four active plants at a time either indoors or outdoors. However, there are certain rules, and growing is still restricted in some provinces.

Growing is illegal in Quebec, Manitoba, and some parts of Nunavut. Everywhere else, you’re able to grow cannabis if you’re 19 years or older (18 years or older in Alberta).

You must keep cannabis safely out of the reach of children. This can mean using a locked grow room or grow space if you choose to grow outdoors. You must also keep cannabis plants out of public view. Users who grow outdoors will need to use a locked fence or enclosure. New Brunswick laws state that you must have a locked enclosure of 1.52m or above to grow cannabis outdoors.

Conclusion

Cannabis legalization in Canada has made it incredibly easy for consumers to get their hands on weed for any purpose. You don’t need a medical card or any approval from a doctor. As long as you’re of legal age in your province or territory, you can buy and use cannabis and cannabis products for any purpose. Users in most provinces are also able to grow up to four cannabis plants.

There are still certain laws you must follow. Only smoke in places where you’re legally able and keep cannabis away from children at all times. You must also not use cannabis in a vehicle or travel with cannabis across the country’s borders. You can buy weed online or visit one of the various marijuana stores across the country to buy all kinds of cannabis products.