Cannabis laws in Canada have undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis. However, with legalization comes regulations that Canadians must follow. In this blog post, we will discuss Canada’s cannabis laws and what you need to know as a consumer.
Overview of Canada’s Cannabis Laws
Under the Cannabis Act, individuals over the age of 18 (or 19 in some provinces) are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in public. Adults are also allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, as long as they are not sold or distributed.
Recreational cannabis products, including edibles, concentrates, and topicals, are also legal and regulated. These products are subject to strict quality control and packaging requirements.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2001 and is available for those with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Medical cannabis patients have access to a wider variety of products and are allowed to possess more than the 30-gram limit.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and jail time. The legal limit for THC in the bloodstream while driving is 2 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) for the majority of drivers, while drivers with a commercial driver’s license are subject to a zero-tolerance policy.
Purchasing Cannabis
In Canada, cannabis can be purchased through government-operated online and retail stores or private licensed retailers. Each province and territory has its own regulations regarding the sale and distribution of cannabis, including pricing and age restrictions. It is important to research the laws in your specific region before purchasing cannabis.
Cannabis Products
In Canada, it is legal to purchase and consume recreational cannabis products such as edibles, concentrates, and topicals. However, these products must comply with stringent quality control measures and packaging requirements. This includes child-resistant packaging and clear labeling that includes health warnings and product information.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods and beverages, including candies, chocolate bars, and drinks. These products are subject to strict regulations, including a maximum of 10 mg of THC per package. Edibles can take up to 2 hours to take effect and can last up to 12 hours, so it is important to start with a low dose and wait before consuming more.
Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis products, including oils, shatter, and wax. These products are subject to strict regulations, including a maximum of 1,000 mg of THC per package. Concentrates can be consumed through inhalation, ingestion, or topical application.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused products that are applied to the skin, including creams and balms. These products are non-psychoactive and do not produce a high. They are used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Traveling with Cannabis
Traveling with cannabis within Canada is legal, as long as it complies with the laws in your specific region. It is illegal to transport cannabis across international borders, even if traveling to a country where cannabis is legal.
Cannabis and the Workplace
Employers in Canada are allowed to establish their own cannabis policies for employees. In some industries, such as transportation and healthcare, there may be zero-tolerance policies for cannabis use. It is important to research your employer’s policies before consuming cannabis.
Conclusion
Canada’s cannabis laws have undergone significant changes in recent years with the legalization of recreational cannabis. It is important to understand the regulations and laws in your specific region when purchasing and consuming cannabis. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, and penalties can be severe. Cannabis products, including edibles, concentrates, and topicals, are subject to strict regulations and packaging requirements. When traveling within Canada, it is legal to transport cannabis as long as it complies with the laws in your region, but it is illegal to transport cannabis across international borders.
