Cannabis Laws in Canada

The rise of cannabis in recent times is credited to the medicinal potencies in cannabis as well as the lucrative nature of the industry itself. While the banking, insurance, and manufacturing industries are taking the world by storm while grabbing all the positive headlines, the cannabis industry isn’t far behind. Within this article we will dive into the laws surrounding cannabis in Canada.

Cannabis in Canada

Unlike the neighboring US where cannabis is legal in some states for medical and or recreational uses, Canada is the complete opposite. This, of course, is evident as the plant is legal and has been made legal across the entire country for medical and recreational uses. Sandwiched with strict laws and policies on who sells the drug, legal age to purchase the drug (19 years and above).

Although Cannabis became legal for its medicinal uses in 2001, the Federal Cannabis Act, legalizing cannabis for recreational use, came into effect on 17 October 2018. This made it possible for every province around the nation to create and enact laws governing everything cannabis. Ranging from the legal age to consume cannabis, licenses to grow or sell cannabis (retail outlets or dispensaries) and most of all buying and selling cannabis online.

Cannabis Regulations by Province

While there are laws governing cannabis in Canada, they vary from one province to another. However, the case may be, one thing is certain, and that is “Canada is one of the best places in the world to purchase and smoke weed”. With that said, enclosed below some of the laws governing cannabis in Vancouver, Toronto, and Prince George.

Vancouver and Prince George

In Vancouver and Prince George, the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch controls the supply of cannabis for both private and government retail stores. In addition, the government overseas any online sales, with purchase allowed only to customers over the age of 19 years. Cannabis and tobacco laws work hand in hand in these cities as they are both prohibited in Playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, and other places where children commonly gather, School properties, Motor vehicles etc.

Ontario

In Toronto, the laws governing the uses and purchase of cannabis are somewhat similar to the laws governing alcohol and tobacco. It is a crime to own, buy, use, and grow recreational marijuana in Toronto if you are under the age of 19. Furthermore, only designated stores have the license to sell recreational cannabis in Toronto and their activities follow strict rules set by the federal government. In addition, acquiring cannabis from unapproved sources other than the government-approved stores is a crime. With that being said, enclosed below are some of the Do’s and Don’ts of Cannabis in Toronto.

Do’s

• Cannabis can be bought legally by anyone over 19 years in government-approved stores

• Smoking is allowed in private residences. Notably the outdoor spaces of your home such as a porch or back yard

• Rolling a joint in public places such as parks, sidewalks are also allowed

Dont’s

• Smoking pot is illegal in a wide array of avenues in Toronto notably

• In private residences especially long term care and retirement homes

• Schools or a place set aside for children to play and have fun like playgrounds, childcare centers

• Business organizations, companies

• Public owned places

• Restaurants and bars
  

Is it Safe to Order Cannabis Online?

While cannabis can be bought at licensed dispensaries or in some designated shops across Canada, buying it online is fun. It is ideal, most used and arguably the best mode to purchase. Although there are internet fraudsters claiming to be online cannabis shops, it is always advisable to carry out a little research about some online cannabis shops. Go for the ones with the most referrals. Remember, buying weed online in Canada isn’t only legal, it is easy, convenient and time-saving.