Canada Marijuana Legalization Laws
With Canada marijuana legalization now official, adults can now go out, purchase weed, and smoke it. However, there are still certain laws that apply. You need to be at least 19 years old to possess weed (18 in Alberta and Quebec) and mustn’t smoke around children or in prohibited public places. You can also grow up to four marijuana plants at home unless you live in Quebec or Manitoba.
The new Canada marijuana legalization laws make marijuana much more accessible. Most areas will have dispensaries, either run by official government entities or licensed privately-owned businesses. You can also buy marijuana online for delivery anywhere in Canada.
But while the laws are now much more welcoming for cannabis users, there are still some important rules you need to adhere to. Here’s a guide to the new Canada marijuana laws to help.
How old do you need to be to buy weed in Canada?
Federal laws state you must be 18 years or older in order to purchase and possess cannabis. However, provinces can set their own age limits, and every province has set the legal age to 19, except for Quebec and Alberta. Many online retailers will also require you to prove you’re at least 19 years old.
If you’re planning to buy from a dispensary, make sure you bring a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Much like when buying alcohol, you will need to prove your age. When buying online, you may need to provide your ID either upon delivery or via an uploaded scan online.
Patients registered for medical marijuana use under Health Canada can still use their medical card or documents to buy marijuana. You’ll be able to buy marijuana for medical purposes both from medical and recreational retailers.
Where can I buy marijuana in Canada?
Dispensaries for recreational marijuana are now open in many cities and towns. There will also be government-operated stores in many provinces. In many cases, you’ll be able to buy marijuana at government-licensed liquor stores.
Alternatively, you can buy weed online for delivery. This allows you to get cannabis flower and other cannabis products sent straight to your door. You’ll often also find cheaper prices when buying online.
Keep in mind that, although the purchase of weed is now legal, street sales are illegal. The government will be cracking down on these, and with easier methods available, it’s best to avoid them completely.
How much marijuana can I buy and keep in Canada?
The Canada Cannabis Act sets a possession limit of 30 grams of dried marijuana in public. You may also be interested in buying other products, such as oils and liquid products. The law sets different limits for each product, which are as follows:
- 150 grams of fresh cannabis
- 450 grams of edible product
- 2100 grams (4.62 pounds) of liquid product
- 7.5 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
- 30 cannabis plant seeds
Medical patients have higher limits at up to 150 grams of dried cannabis in public, according to Health Canada. Every adult can also store as much marijuana as you want at home, providing it is kept safe, private, and out of reach of children.
Can I grow my own marijuana in Canada?
Yes! New Canada marijuana legalization laws state that you can grow up to four plants at home. You can buy cannabis seeds and growing equipment to grow either indoors or outdoors. However, there are some strict rules surrounding this.
Growing is still illegal in Quebec and Manitoba, so citizens should not try to grow their own. Nunavut is currently determining their own marijuana growing laws.
In every other province, it’s safe to grow, however, landlords can impose restrictions on this. If you’re renting from a landlord, they have the final call on whether you can grow on their property. In most cases, you can grow marijuana providing your growing space is kept out of public view and secured so children or animals can’t reach it.
Where can I smoke marijuana in Canada?
While purchase and possession of marijuana are now legal for adults across Canada, there are still strict restrictions on where you can smoke.
In most cases, you’ll need to smoke at a private residence or private property. That generally means you should keep any cannabis consumption to your home or a friend’s place. Smoking in a car is still illegal across Canada.
Some areas are more relaxed on where you can smoke, and you will be able to smoke in some places providing it is not near children or too public. This could mean smoking on private hiking trails, countryside, and parks that aren’t in use for public events. Some areas will also open designated public smoking places, such as cannabis lounges and cafes.
To make sure you’re smoking legally, you should check the cannabis laws of your province.
Can I buy marijuana while visiting Canada?
With recent legalization, you can expect Canada to quickly take off as a popular spot for weed tourists. Providing you’re of legal age and have valid identification (such as a passport), you’ll be able to purchase and smoke weed while in Canada.
That means that tourists taking a trip to Canada will be able to enjoy it while visiting. Just make sure you respect the local laws. Canadians can also enjoy weed in other provinces. For instance, someone visiting Alberta from Saskatchewan can buy weed at 18 years old in Alberta.
It’s important that you never take marijuana across Canada’s borders. This is still punishable by law. You should also respect the rules of where you’re staying and know whether you’re legally able to smoke in your accommodation.
Conclusion
The new Canada marijuana legalization laws make it safe, easy, and legal for adults to buy and use marijuana. Restrictions are still in place against public smoking, selling without a license, and underage use. However, providing you’re within the legal age and adhere to your provincial laws, you can enjoy marijuana without any problem. Laws may change as time goes on, but all in all, Canada is becoming much more lenient and open when it comes to marijuana.
