Smoking Marijuana in Public: All of Canada’s Rules

With cannabis legislation changing drastically within the last few months, some may be wondering if it’s okay to smoke marijuana in public now. Some people are saying it’s completely legal and alright to do so, while others claim to have been arrested and issued a warning for doing so! Depending on where you live exactly, it may or may not be alright to light up and smoke in public. Check out our guide to what each province says, and if smoking marijuana in public is okay to do for you!

Different provinces have different regulations on public cannabis consumption.

Different municipalities may implement their own bylaws on public cannabis use.

Play it safe and be respectful to others – smoke away from populated areas.

Alberta – Permitted With Some Restrictions

If you’re smoking in public in Alberta, you’re mostly okay! You’re allowed to light up anywhere where smoking is also permitted. This means outdoors in public places where there are no restriction signs. You aren’t allowed to smoke or vaporize cannabis in the following areas either: Hospital, school, and childcare properties, nearby sports or playing fields, skateboard or bike parks, zoos, outdoor theatres, vehicles, and outdoor pools or splash pads. The only vehicles you can smoke cannabis in are those used as temporary residences, like an RV.

These rules are mostly set in place to limit exposure to young children. Additionally, you are still allowed to carry up to 30 grams legally. Anything more than that can be persecuted if caught.

British Colombia – Permitted With Restrictions

Likewise, with Alberta, British Colombia prohibits the use of cannabis where tobacco is prohibited, as well as places where children frequently are.

Playgrounds, schools, sports fields, skate parks, water parks, movie theatres, and other places where children congregate are the restricted areas. Smoking in vehicles is also prohibited. Even places like bus stops and such are no-go zones for smoking. It’s best to use your common sense in these cases. As with Alberta, you’re also allowed to carry up to 30 grams legally.

Manitoba – Prohibited

Consuming cannabis in public is prohibited in all of Manitoba. This includes parks, sidewalks, sports fields, schools, etc. Even away from people in a provincial park is not allowed. Consumption is only permitted on private residences and backyards. Play it safe if you’re in Manitoba! You are legally allowed to carry up to 30 grams, however growing your own plants is also prohibited in the province.

New Brunswick – Prohibited

Public use of cannabis is also prohibited in New Brunswick. As with Manitoba, smoking marijuana is not allowed on sidewalks, parks, in vehicles, and so forth.

Smoking in your home and backyard are okay and unless explicitly stated in the contract, smoking in rental units is also allowed. Up to 30 grams in possession is alright as well as growing up to four of your own plants.

Newfoundland and Labrador – Prohibited

Smoking marijuana in public is also prohibited in this province, with the same set of rules that Manitoba and New Brunswick enacts. No parks, no vehicles, not on sidewalks or in busy public places. Consuming cannabis on private residences is okay to do, and legal citizens are able to grow up to 4 plants in their homes. The 30-gram possession rule applies too.

Northwest Territories – Permitted With Restrictions

Consuming cannabis is allowed in public, however only on trails, roadways, parks (when not used for a public event) and private property where use of tobacco is also allowed. It seems encouraged to smoke in the peace and comfort of a park or outdoor area away from children and others. People in the Northwest Territories are permitted to carry up to 30 grams as well, and grow 4 plants in their homes.

Nova Scotia – Permitted With Restrictions

Though public smoking is permitted in Nova Scotia, there lies a bigger list of restrictions than other provinces. Private areas like bars, restaurants, stores, casinos and a long list of other places is also off limits. Smoking within 20 meters of playgrounds, parks, sport venues, and similar areas is prohibited, as well as on or within 9 meters of public trails, in provincial parks or beaches, and school grounds. As with all provinces, public possession up to 30 grams permitted and growing up to four plants is also fine to do.

Nunavut – Permitted

Nunavut follows a similar set of legislation as both British Colombia and Alberta do; public use is mostly okay wherever tobacco is permitted, barring a few restrictions. Near hospitals, schools, playgrounds, sport fields, and other places where children frequent is on the blacklist for Nunavut herb smokers.Those in Nunavut are also permitted to possess up to 30 grams at once and grow up to 4 plants at home.

Ontario – Permitted

Smoking marijuana in public in Ontario is accepted, though there are some restrictions in place. In a private residence is alright (unless prohibited by the landlord), same with public parks, sidewalks, streets and others.

However, use of cannabis is prohibited in the following areas: Workplaces, bar and restaurant patios (and 9 meters nearby), public sporting grounds, playgrounds, enclosed public spaces, and indoor common areas like student residences and condominiums.

Possession up to 30 grams in public is also permitted, as well as growing up to four plants in your home.

Prince Edward Island – Prohibited

Smoking marijuana in public is not allowed in Prince Edward Island. Bars, restaurants, parks, theaters and anywhere else is a no-go zone for smoking.

You may only smoke in private residences including rental units unless prohibited by the landlord. Public possession up to 30 grams and growing up to 4 plants is acceptable as well.

Quebec – Permitted With Strong Restrictions

Quebec has strong laws regarding public cannabis consumption. Smoking near universities, bike paths, hospitals, bus shelters, and anywhere else where tobacco is barred is prohibited. To add to that, the majority of public places bars public smoking and the only safe areas to use it would be at parks away from any events or private residences.

Quebec also prohibits the private growth of plants, but allows public possession for up to 30 grams.

Saskatchewan – Prohibited

Public smoking of cannabis in Saskatchewan isn’t allowed, and use is limited to private residences only, following any restrictions set in place by landlords.

Even areas like public parks, trails, provincial parks see the exclusion of cannabis smoking and vaping. Citizens in Saskatchewan may grow up to 4 plants and publicly possess up to 30 grams.

Yukon – Permitted

Yukon permits the use of cannabis in public spaces with some restrictions in place. As with most provinces, smoking inside public areas, neat restaurants, bars, near health care workers and the lights is barred.

Smoking within private residences is permitted, and public spaces away from children, hospitals, schools, busy parks and the likes are okay.

Possession up to 30 grams in public is allowed, and eligible adults are allowed to grow up to four plants as well.

The Final Verdict on Smoking Marijuana in Public in Canada

Each province and territory has their own framework and legislation put into place. Even if you’re in a place where smoking in public is permitted, use your common sense and try not to smoke near people. Though you might enjoy the funky smell of skunk, others may be less keen or even outright repulsed.

Be courteous to others and smoke responsibly! If you’re smoking in a park or forest, properly kill the ember to reduce the risk of forest fires, and keep the odor away from children.