On October 17, 2018, cannabis became legal across the country of Canada via The Cannabis Act. However, at the time cannabis became legalized, Canada’s government placed responsibility on each individual province and territory to determine how cannabis is sold, consumed, and celebrated in their own province or territory.
In Ontario, we enjoy many freedoms under Ontario’s interpretation of The Cannabis Act. We have both provincial retailers and private retailers like We’:) where we can get cannabis of all quantities, and there are more than enough stores to ensure everyone has access. However, the privileges we enjoy in Ontario aren’t the same across Canada.
While it is legal to consume cannabis in Canada and bring cannabis across provincial and territorial borders, there are some restrictions on how cannabis is used in different provinces or territories.
Thinking about doing a cross-Canada road trip, or simply visiting another province or territory? Always be aware of the consumption regulations in the province or territory in which you’re visiting.
Here is a province-by-province breakdown of the legalities of cannabis across Canada:
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Online, government and private retailers
Smoking locations: Prohibited around children, in cars and where tobacco is controlled
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: 1,000 grams
Legal age: 18
Sales location: Online, government and private retailers
Smoking locations: Prohibited around children, in cars and where tobacco is controlled
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Private online sales and private retailers
Smoking locations: Limited to private residences only
Possession limit: 30 grams
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Online, and private retailers
Smoking locations: Prohibited in public
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Online, and through government and private retailers
Smoking locations: Wherever cigarette smoking is permitted
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 21 (amended from age 18)
Sales location: Government retailers and online sales
Smoking locations: Private residences; selected public spaces – prohibited where tobacco is not permitted, health/educational institutions and areas with children
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: 150 grams
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Government retailers and online sales
Smoking locations: Private residences only
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: 150 grams
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Government retailers, online sales, and private retaileres
Smoking locations: Private residences only
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Online, government and private retailers
Smoking locations: Prohibited in areas with tobacco restrictions. Fines up to $2,000 for failure to comply.
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Government online and retail sales
Smoking locations: Private residences only
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Online, government and private retailers
Smoking locations: Private residences; selected public spaces – prohibited where tobacco is not permitted, health/educational institutions and areas with children
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: No limit
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Government telephone and online sales
Smoking locations: Private residences; selected Public spaces – prohibited where tobacco is not permitted and areas with children
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: 150 grams
Legal age: 19
Sales location: Government retail and online sales
Smoking locations: Private residences and adjoining properties only
Possession limit: 30 grams
Home possession limit: 150 grams
The regulations state across the board that every adult in Canada is permitted to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis. But what about other products?
Per The Cannabis Act, 1 gram of dried cannabis is equivalent to:
• 5 grams of fresh cannabis
• 15 grams of edible product
• 70 grams of liquid product
• 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
• 1 cannabis plant seed
When packing for a trip, it’s always best to be conservative in how much you bring, and always stay within the limit, as one or two more grams over the limit could lead to an offense.
While everyone is permitted to bring 30 grams of cannabis on a plane if they’re going between provinces, no one wants to smell the dank on a long flight.
For full compliance, store your cannabis in its original containers when traveling, as they are designed to be odor-proof, child-proof, and you will easily be able to show the quantity inside as well as where it was sourced for any curious flight attendants.
Some hotels across Canada may permit cannabis use on the premise (but rarely inside!) – when you’re staying in a hotel, be sure to ask about the cannabis smoking policies so to be respectful of the property while being a respectful guest.
Canada borders the U.S., with many Ontario towns being border cities that offer quick access to the U.S. However, it must be noted that it is strictly prohibited to bring cannabis across the border, even if you’re entering a state where cannabis use or sale may be legal.
If you drive towards the border, you’ll notice that signs prohibit cannabis at border crossings, and you’ll notice the same within airports as well.
Never risk getting caught crossing borders with cannabis – while the consequences are varied, they are very real and very legal, and could risk one’s livelihood.
There has been some reports of Canadians being denied entry to the U.S. based on past or current cannabis use. While these instances are few and far between, they do happen, so be aware of how you may be questioned regarding cannabis at the border.
Traveling to other countries outside of Canada with cannabis is also strictly prohibited.
Wherever you are, whether it be in your hometown, or somewhere you’re visiting in another part of Canada or abroad, being a conscious and respectful cannabis consumer is always encouraged.
Be sure to keep your cannabis consumption discrete, as there’s no need to be showy about your consumption. Be aware of the company around you, such as children, or people dining outdoors, as not everyone wants a puff of cannabis smoke with their entrée.
Be aware that there will be places that strictly prohibit cannabis consumption through signage – these are put there for a reason, and they must be abided by!
Finally, be conscious of where you put your butts. Even though cannabis is from the earth, a joint roach is also litter, so dispose of your cannabis waste carefully.
Canada has some wonderful places to visit coast-to-coast, and it’s safe to say that cannabis is a permanent part of the country’s cultural fabric. While The Cannabis Act made it legal for cannabis to be sold, one must understand that not all privileges have been extended to all people across Canada.
When traveling, be sure to check the regulations in the province/territory, or country, you’re traveling to, and always be a respectful consumer by abiding by laws in those areas.
