With over half of Canadians claiming having used it at some point in their lives, cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances in the country. Following the legalization of cannabis for medical use roughly 20 years earlier, Canada became the second nation in the world to legalize its sale, possession, and non-medical use by adults in October 2018.
Several researchers in Canada are studying the properties and advantages of medicinal marijuana, and they support its full legalization, which was passed in late 2018.
Let us now delve into the details of dispensary laws in Canada:
Who Can Buy it?
With the exception of Quebec and Alberta, where the minimum age is 18, all Canadian provinces have set the minimum age for purchasing recreational cannabis at 19. All cannabis inventory will have to be purchased by private retailers from their specific province’s distributor, which differs from province to province. The exception is Saskatchewan, which will permit private companies to distribute cannabis to Saskatchewan retailers.
In Canada, it is a criminal offense to share cannabis with minors.
Is Home Cultivation Of Cannabis Legal?
Adults in Canada are allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants in their homes for personal use. You can grow plants in your yard or house. Purchases of seeds must be made at the State Assigned Stores.
Additional regulations and restrictions regarding home cultivation may be applicable if you live in a multi-unit residential building, a co-op, or a condominium. Inquire about the regulations that apply to your building from your landlord, cooperative board, or condominium board.
Places Where Cannabis Smoking Is Prohibited
Smoking medical cannabis is prohibited in the following places:
- Parks, arenas, recreational centers, libraries, pools, stations, buses, trains, and other city property.
- Enclosed public places, such as hospitals, restaurants, and apartment building hallways.
- Workplaces
- Building common areas, such as hallways, laundry rooms, and other rooms
- Schools, including colleges and universities
- Near daycare centers
- Restaurants, bars, and patios
How Much Medical Cannabis Can An Individual Possess?
Possession
The possession limit for medical cannabis:
- A 30-day supply of the allowed amount
- 150 grams of dried marijuana
- The equivalent amount if in another form
Buying And Selling Regulations
- Limits to buying:
- Buy cannabis only from licensed retail stores.
- Adults over the age of 19 can buy and possess up to one ounce of cannabis at a time.
- Limits to selling:
- Only licensed retailers can sell cannabis products.
- Adults over 19 can transfer up to 2 ounces of cannabis to another adult 19 or older, but can’t sell cannabis. This includes homegrown products.
License Laws In Canada
In accordance with the Cannabis Act and associated Regulations, a person must get a license from Health Canada to engage in certain cannabis-related activities, including:
• Grow cannabis commercially
• Sell cannabis for medical purposes
• Conduct tests on cannabis
• Conduct research with cannabis.
An additional license has to be obtained from The Canada Revenue Agency if you want to start a cultivation and cannabis processing business.
The proposed federal Cannabis Act leaves much of the products’ regulation in the provinces and territories, including the distribution and retail sale of cannabis, in accordance with Canada’s constitutional division of powers between the federal government and the provincial, territorial, and local governments.
Can You Travel With Cannabis Within Canada?
You are expected to abide by local cannabis laws wherever you go. In Canada, cannabis used for recreational purposes is permitted up to a specified limit. However, the minimum age for purchase, possession and use is determined by each province and territory. Currently, it is 19 in all other provinces and territories, 21 in Quebec, and 18 in Alberta. Cannabis access by minors and adult assistance of such access is still prohibited.
An individual is only permitted to carry 30 grams of dried cannabis in public in Canada. The country determines equivalencies and uses them to determine the limitations for various cannabis products like fresh cannabis, edible cannabis, and cannabis concentrates. For instance, 5 grams of fresh cannabis are comparable to 1 gram of dried cannabis. Consequently, it is legal to own either 150 grams of fresh cannabis or 30 grams of dried cannabis.
Driving Under the Influence Of Cannabis
Cannabis-related driving offenses are still very serious crimes in Canada. In reality, the Canadian government doubled the penalty for driving while under the influence of drugs including cannabis, and at the same time, it legalized recreational marijuana. As a result, the maximum sentence for a DUI was increased from five to ten years in prison.
Bottom Line
Cannabis cultivation, sale, distribution, and consumption regulations in Canada are constantly changing. Hire a competent attorney or consultant to assist you in staying compliant.
