It is now legal in Canada to purchase, use and possess recreational marijuana (cannabis), as of October 17, 2018. Each province has its own set of rules pertaining to buying and using marijuana.
In Ontario, a lot of the laws around the use and purchase of marijuana are similar to the province's alcohol and tobacco laws.
Who Can Buy it?
To purchase, possess, grow, or use recreational marijuana, you must be at least 19 years old. It is a criminal offence to share marijuana with minors.
Where Can I Buy it?
You can purchase up to 30 grams (or about one ounce) at a time at the Ontario Cannabis Store online or in-person.
Only the Ontario Cannabis Store and designated retail shops can legally sell recreational marijuana. They also have to follow strict federal regulations. It will still be illegal to buy it from anyone other than government-approved retailers.
Each municipality across Ontario has the right to decide where and if they want retail stores in their city or town.
You'll be able to grow up to four plants per residence (not per person) and will be able to purchase legal seeds and seedlings from the Ontario Cannabis Store.
It can be used in many places.
If you are found in public with Dispensary In Canada marijuana possession, you can carry up to 30 grams (about 1 ounce) of dried cannabis.
It will be limited to:
a private residence (your home or someone else's), including the outdoor space (for example, a porch or back yard)
Your unit, or on your balcony if you live within a multi-unit building such as an apartment or condo. This will depend on the rules of your building or your lease agreement.
Many outdoor public spaces (parks, sidewalks).
You are not permitted to use it in:
Private residences such as long-term care homes or retirement homes
Schools and places where children gather (parks or playgrounds, childcare centres, etc.
Workplaces
Motorized vehicles, or while driving
Places that are publicly owned (sports field)
restaurant and bar patios
Bus shelters are sheltered outdoor areas that the public frequents.
These rules were put in place to protect the public from second-hand smoke and to reduce exposure for young adults and youth to marijuana.
A fine of up to $2,000 can be imposed for public possession of marijuana.
$1,000 for a first offense
Repeat offenses at $5,000
Driving under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs is just as illegal as drinking and driving. Like many other drugs, marijuana slows down your reaction time, increasing your chance of getting into a car accident.
If marijuana is found to have impaired you, you could be subject to severe penalties.
Licence suspension immediately
fines (money penalties)
possible vehicle impoundment
possible criminal record
possible jail time
Breathalyzer-type devices will be allowed to be used by police officers on the roadsside to measure your intoxication from marijuana use. Once the federally approved device becomes available, police can use it to enforce the law.
The Ministry of Transportation has more information about the various offenses and penalties for impaired Driving.
Zero Tolerance
You will not be permitted to possess marijuana in your vehicle if you are a novice, first-time, or commercial driver.
are 21 or under
have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence
are driving vehicle that requires an A-F driver's licence or Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR)
Driving a road-building machine
What are the Health Risks?
Similar to alcohol and tobacco, marijuana poses some health risks.
In adults, marijuana affects brain function at any age. This includes impacts on:
attention
Memorization
Learning
The more you use marijuana, the more it will affect your brain. Your brain continues to develop until you are around 25 years old.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should abstain from smoking marijuana. Marijuana poses a danger to the newborn baby. Heavy marijuana use has been linked to lower birth weight and exposure to THC (or "tetrahydrocannabinol" - the chemical responsible for most of the psychological effects) can affect a baby's brain development.
While research is still inconclusive, there are some additional findings about the effects of THC for babies. Your child may have been affected if you were a mother who used marijuana while pregnant.
memory or attention problems
Controlling impulses is difficult
issues with school performance
Marijuana and Travel
Canada's legalization of marijuana will not affect Canada's existing border rules. It is still illegal to import or export marijuana products. Criminal charges could be brought against you if cannabis products are imported into Canada.
If you're traveling from or to a country that has legalized, decriminalized, or both, this applies.
It does not necessarily mean that marijuana is legal in Canada, but the same laws will apply to international travel. You are still subject to the laws in another country when you travel to that country. Before you travel to another country, do your research.
Canadian citizenship doesn't give you any immunity or preferential treatment. You may be denied entry to certain countries if you have used drugs in the past, even marijuana, after it became legal in Canada.
Many countries, including the United States have a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs. This includes possession and use. For even small amounts of drugs, severe penalties can be imposed.
Travel to the United States
It is illegal to transport cannabis goods across the U.S. border to Canada even if you're traveling to a legal state. You could be denied entry into the U.S. if you are found to be in possession and face legal charges and even jail time.
Learn more about international travel and cannabis by visiting the Cannabis and International Travel websites of the Government of Canada.
For more information, click here
Consultation paper: Legalization of Cannabis In Ontario - This report is based on the public consultation that was conducted by the Government of Ontario in order to decide how to regulate cannabis. You can find the Government of Ontario website.
Cannabis Get all the information about marijuana on the Government of Canada website.
Alcohol, Drugs and Travel - Offers information and advice to help you understand the risks related to drugs and travel. The Government of Canada.