Canada’s Cannabis Act will legalize the recreational use of pot and authorize Canadian residents to possess and share up to 30 grams of weed. The provinces are responsible for determining the details: where the cannabis can be distributed, minimum purchase ages, etc. As of this writing, the Canadian Senate has just voted to legalize recreational cannabis (6/19/18). That means that the provinces, as well as the federal government, are still working on the final rules and framework of implementation. Experts say it will take 8-12 weeks to fully implement sales around the country, so the following information is subject to change. Here is what legal cannabis in Canada looks like.
Ontario
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Recreational cannabis can only be consumed in a private residence including a backyard or porch. If a resident lives in an apartment or condo, they must abide by their landlord’s rules. Cannabis cannot be consumed in any public place, workplace, or motorized vehicle.
Where to buy: Residents will be able to purchase cannabis online or in store through the Ontario Cannabis Store. Customers can buy up to 30 grams of cannabis at one time.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams of dried flower.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per residence (not per person). Seeds and seedlings can be purchased through the Ontario Cannabis Store.
Quebec
Minimum Age: 18
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can be consumed in the same places where tobacco can be consumed. That is, a private residence only and according to the landlord’s lease agreement.
Where to buy: In-store or online through the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQC).
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Quebec has banned the personal growing of cannabis.
Nova Scotia
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can be consumed in a private residence. It cannot be smoked on or within 20 meters of playgrounds located in an outdoor public space, on or within 20 meters of a publicly owned sport and recreation event or venue located in an outdoor space, on and within nine meters of public trails, in provincial parks and on provincial beaches (except within the boundaries of a rented campsite), or in vehicles used as a part of someone’s work.
Where to buy: Online or in store from a Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) store location.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of four plants per household (not per person).
New Brunswick
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be consumed in a private residence.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in store from New Brunswick Liquor’s subsidiary, CannabisNB.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams. Additionally, cannabis must be stored in a locked enclosure.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household (not person). Cannabis must be grown in a secure (enclosed) location whether indoors or outdoors.
Manitoba
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis cannot be consumed in a cannabis store or a motor vehicle.
Where to buy: Licensed private retailers will be authorized to sell cannabis in store or online.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Cannabis cannot be grown at home for recreational use.
British Columbia
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can be consumed wherever tobacco can be consumed. Generally, this means in a private residence and some restricted public locations. However, most public locations are off limits since they are areas that are visited often by children.
Where to buy: Cannabis can only be sold from stores that do not also sell alcohol. A mix of private and government-run retailers will be authorized to sell cannabis. Cannabis can be purchased online through the government-run store.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household (not person) as long as the home is not also used as a daycare.
Prince Edward Island
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be consumed in private residences, but the government has given itself the freedom to expand to certain public locations if it chooses to do so in the future.
Where to buy: In store or online through government operated stores.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household.
Saskatchewan
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be consumed in private residences.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in store or online from licensed private retailers.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Max of 4 plants per household.
Alberta
Minimum Age: 18
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can be consumed in the same places where tobacco can be smoked.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in store from private retailers or online from a website operated by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be consumed in private residences.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in store from private retailers or online through a government run website at first and then through the private retailers later.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household.
Northwest Territories
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis cannot be smoked where tobacco is banned—it is mainly restricted to private residences.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in store from liquor stores and online from a government-run website.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household.
Yukon
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be consumed in private residences.
Where to buy: Cannabis can be purchased in-store through government or private retailers and online through a government-run website.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants, but the plants must be hidden from view.
Nunavut
Minimum Age: 19
Where cannabis can and cannot be consumed: Cannabis can only be smoked where tobacco can be smoked.
Where to buy: TBD—there will be no 2018 sales.
Possession limits: Maximum of 30 grams.
Growing rules: Maximum of 4 plants per household.