What Canadians need to know about cannabis legalization

What you need to know about cannabis

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Public education resources

A number of information tools and resources about cannabis are available.

Indigenous communities

We continue to engage with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities to:

understand the views of Indigenous peoples on legalizing and regulating cannabis

increase awareness of the Cannabis Act

We have compiled a list of cannabis-related resources for use by Indigenous groups to lead public discussions in their communities.

The legalization and regulation of cannabis

On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act came into force.

It puts in place, in Canada, a new, strict framework for controlling cannabis:

sale

possession

production

distribution

The purpose of the Cannabis Act is to:

prevent youth from accessing cannabis

displace the illegal cannabis market

Protecting the health and safety of youth is a top priority. The Cannabis Act establishes serious criminal penalties for those who:

sell or provide cannabis to youth

use youth to commit a cannabis offence

The Cannabis Act also protects public health and safety by:

setting rules for adults to access quality-controlled cannabis

creating a new, tightly regulated supply chain

Adults who are 18 or 19 years or older (depending on province or territory) are able to:

possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis, or its equivalent in non-dried form, in public

share up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent with other adults

buy cannabis products from a provincial or territorial retailer

grow up to 4 plants per residence (not per person) for personal use: from legally acquired seeds or seedlings depending on the province or territory



Possession, production, distribution and sale outside of what the law allows remains illegal and subject to criminal penalties, ranging from:

ticketing

up to a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment

In addition, the Cannabis Act prohibits:

products that are appealing to youth

packaging or labelling in a way that makes it appealing to youth

selling through self-service displays or vending machines

any promotion of cannabis, cannabis accessories, or services related to cannabis, unless authorized under the Cannabis Act

Edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals

On October 17, 2019, the production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals became legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act, by:

provincial and territorial retailers

federally licensed sellers of cannabis for medical purposes

It will take time before the new cannabis products become available for purchase. Adults should only expect a limited selection to appear gradually, in physical or online stores, and no earlier than mid-December 2019. It will take more time before a full range of products becomes available.

These products are subject to strict regulations, to address their unique public health and safety risks.

The Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation recommended that the Government of Canada permit the legal sale of these products once regulatory controls were in place. Giving adults legal access to a broader range of cannabis products will help to achieve the Government's objectives of:

displacing the illegal market

keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime

Laws in your area

Each province and territory also has its own rules for cannabis, including:

legal minimum age

where adults may buy it

where adults may use it

how much adults may possess

You must respect the laws of the province, territory or Indigenous community you are in, whether you are a visitor or live there.

Municipalities may also pass bylaws to regulate the use of cannabis locally.

Review your provincial and territorial guidelines. Also check your municipality's website for local information.

Identifying legal cannabis products

Legal cannabis products are only sold through retailers authorized by your provincial or territorial government.

Legal cannabis products (except products with less than 0.3% THC or no THC) have an excise stamp on the package. Each province and territory has a differently coloured excise stamp. The stamp has security features to prevent forgery, just like passports and banknotes.

To give information on risks of use, legal cannabis products also carry the:

Adults are legally able to purchase fresh and dried cannabis, cannabis oils and seeds or plants for cultivation from authorized retailers.

It will take time for the following new cannabis products to be available for purchase:

edible cannabis

cannabis extracts

cannabis topicals

Adults should only expect a limited selection to appear gradually, in physical or online stores, and no earlier than mid-December 2019. It will take more time before a full range of products becomes available.

These products are subject to strict regulations that address their unique public health and safety risks.

Travelling

It's illegal to take any cannabis across the Canadian border, regardless whether:

for medical or non-medical purposes

you're coming into Canada, or leaving

This applies to all countries, whether cannabis is legal there or not.

When you are travelling within Canada, you may possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent, if you meet the minimum age requirement of the province or territory you are in.

It's your responsibility to learn the laws of the province or territory you are going to, before you travel. If you use cannabis, follow the laws in the jurisdiction where you are.

Consuming cannabis

It became lawful on October 17, 2019 for legal forms of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals to be produced and sold. It will take time before new products become available. You should only expect a limited selection of new products to appear gradually, in physical or online stores, beginning no earlier than mid-December 2019.

If you have any health issues, or have questions about the effects of cannabis on your health, you should speak to your health care provider.

If you use cannabis, learn how to use it responsibly and to reduce risks for yourself and others:

Start with small amounts - 2.5 mg of THC or less for products that you eat or drink or 100 mg/g of THC or less for products that you inhale.

Avoid smoking cannabis. The smoke from cannabis contains the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

Avoid frequent use. Daily or near-daily use over months or years increases the risk of dependence and may bring on or worsen disorders related to: anxiety depression

Don't drive or operate heavy equipment after using cannabis. Cannabis can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to concentrate and make quick decisions.

If you choose to consume cannabis, delay use to later in life. Teenagers and young adults are at greater risk of harms because the brain continues to develop until around the age of 25.

Growing cannabis

You may not sell the cannabis you grow at home to others.

At home

The Cannabis Act permits adults to cultivate up to 4 cannabis plants per household (not per person). Some provinces and territories have applied added restrictions on personal cultivation.

There are recommended safety and security measures for growing cannabis plants.

Growing for sale

You need to be licensed by Health Canada to be able to grow cannabis for sale.

In some cases, you may also need a licence from the Canada Revenue Agency to sell cannabis. Legal cannabis products must carry an excise stamp, except those products with less than 0.3% THC or no THC.

Access to cannabis for medical purposes

We are committed to keeping a distinct system for giving patients reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes.

Cannabis for medical purposes will continue to be legal if you are:

authorized by a health care provider

registered with a licensed seller or with Health Canada

Funding for cannabis public education and research

We fund community-based and Indigenous public education and research initiatives. To apply for funding please see the Substance Use and Addictions Program - Call for Proposals - Guidelines for Applicants.

Drug-impaired driving

Drug-impaired driving is illegal. Do not drive high.

Law enforcement is trained to detect drug-impaired driving.

Learn more about detecting drug-impaired driving under Cannabis impairment.