British Columbia is one of the few Canadian provinces that allows adults to smoke cannabis in some public spaces. Here’s what you need to know.

British Columbia Possession, Purchasing, and Consumption Rules

If you’re at least 19 years old in British Columbia, you have three ways to buy cannabis: through government-run stores, licensed private retailers, and online. You can possess up to 30 grams of recreational cannabis in public and a maximum of 1,000 grams of cannabis at home. You’re also allowed to grow up to 4 cannabis plants in your household.  Purchasing cannabis in store: You can purchase cannabis products including flower, edibles, extracts, and topicals from a public or private cannabis retail store in British Columbia.    Purchasing cannabis online: The only way to have cannabis delivered to you is to purchase it through BC Cannabis Stores, the province’s government-run online cannabis store. BC Cannabis Stores will only deliver products to addresses in British Columbia.   Consumption laws: Limited public consumption is permitted—you can smoke cannabis in the same places that vaping and tobacco smoking are allowed. However, playgrounds, public buildings, transportation centers, parks, public patios, schools, and health board properties are off limits.  Cannabis is not allowed on moving vehicles unless the vehicle is also a private residence or being used off road in a camping designation. Driving while high is illegal. 

British Columbia Licensing Rules for Retailers

If you want to open a cannabis retail store in British Columbia, you’ll have to obtain a license from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). Retailers must comply with the regulations described in the Cannabis Retail Store Terms and Conditions. Private cannabis retail stores are prohibited from selling alcohol, tobacco, or any non-cannabis affiliated items.