Canada Cannabis Laws

Canada has been very progressive when it comes to their cannabis laws. In 2018 Canada legalized cannabis for recreational use. Medical marijuana has been legal since 2001.

Canada Cannabis Laws – Recreational

On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act legalized cannabis in Canada for recreational use. The following are some of the Act's main clauses.

Age Restrictions

The majority of jurisdictions have a legal minimum age of 19 to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis; however, Alberta and Quebec have a minimum age of 18.

Limits on Cannabis Possession

People are only allowed to carry up to 30 grams, or about one ounce, of dried cannabis in public (or its equivalent in other forms).

Adults may grow up to four cannabis plants at home for their own use (per household, not per person). Yet, this might differ in other provinces or areas.

Sales and Distribution of Cannabis

The only approved outlets for the selling and distribution of recreational cannabis in Canada are licensed merchants and online stores.

Driving While intoxicated

Driving while intoxicated with cannabis is prohibited, and there are severe consequences.

Although the Cannabis Act establishes a framework for national cannabis legalization, each province and territory has its own laws and rules regulating how to use the drug.

Canada Cannabis Laws – Medical

In Canada, medical cannabis is legal and regulated under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). Here are some key provisions of the ACMPR:

1. Medical authorization: To access medical cannabis in Canada, individuals must have a medical document signed by a healthcare practitioner who is authorized to prescribe cannabis. This document is similar to a prescription and includes information about the type of cannabis, the dosage, and the duration of treatment.
2. Licensed producers: Medical cannabis can only be obtained from licensed producers who are authorized by Health Canada to grow and sell cannabis for medical purposes.
3. Possession limits: Individuals authorized to use medical cannabis can possess up to a maximum of 30 times their daily dosage or up to a 30-day supply, whichever is less.
4. Consumption: Medical cannabis can be consumed in various forms, including dried flower, oils, capsules, and topicals.
5. Taxation: Medical cannabis is exempt from federal excise taxes, but it may be subject to other taxes at the provincial/territorial level.
6. Workplace safety: Employers are required to accommodate employees who are authorized to use medical cannabis, but workplace safety remains a priority and individuals who work in safety-sensitive positions may be subject to additional restrictions.

It's important to note that the rules and regulations surrounding medical cannabis in Canada are subject to change, and individuals are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

Is it Legal to Travel to Canada with Cannabis?

Even though cannabis is legal in Canada it is unlawful to bring cannabis into Canada with you unless you have a prescription for medical cannabis authorized by Health Canada. If you enter Canada with cannabis you must declare it at customs.

Canada Cannabis Laws Conclusion

Many people realize that times are changing and the adaptation of both medical cannabis and recreational cannabis are inevitable for the future as it has begun to be embraced in so many countries, Canada included.

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