Recently the Canadian government actually did the unthinkable; the lawmakers finally legalized recreational pot throughout the nation! Nobody around the world ever thought this day would come, it seemed like a never ending debate that just kept getting more and more complicated. But finally on October 17th, 2018 the government passed the legislation allowing for recreational use of cannabis in every province.
Although citizens of Canada have been permitted to grow medical cannabis for quite some time now – follow this link for more info on this – these new laws have brought about an exciting time for the country. But even though smoking for fun is technically allowed throughout the entire country, each province differs slightly in its laws. Check out the main differences province to province (not including the 3 Canadian territories) when it comes to the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Ontario – You must be 19 to legally purchase or consume marijuana. You’ll be able to purchase cannabis from an online government shop until retail stores open in April 2019. You can grow up to four plants per home and can only smoke on your own property.
British Columbia – You must be at least 19, and you can purchase from both government and privately-run cannabis establishments while also being allowed to purchase weed online. You can grow four personal plants and can smoke in most public places.
Quebec – Citizens have to be 18 or older to consume or purchase weed and they can buy it from the government storefronts and online shops. No growing is permitted here, not even four plants. You can smoke in public but not at universities and campuses.
Saskatchewan – Must be 19 or older, and you can purchase from privately-owned stores and online shops. You can grow up to four plants, but this is subject to your landlord’s rules and regulations. You are restricted to smoking in private residences.
Prince Edward Island – Must be 19 or older and can only purchase from government stores and online. You can grow four personal plants and can smoke at home as well as some public establishments.
Alberta – Must be 18 or older to legally consume marijuana. You can buy from both privately-owned stores and government online sales. You can grow four plants and can smoke in public spaces as long as you are not around children.
Manitoba – Must be 19 or older. Can purchase from private retailers and online, but not permitted to grow plants. You can only smoke within your private residence.
Newfoundland and Labrador – You must be 19 or older to legally purchase or consume. You can purchase from private shops and the online government store. You can grow four plants and are only permitted to smoke within your private residence.
Nova Scotia – Must be 19 or older and can only purchase from government retail and online stores. Permitted to grow up to four plants and can smoke in public where tobacco is also permitted.
New Brunswick – Must be 19 or older for legal consumption. Only purchasing can be done at government retailers and online government sellers. You can grow four plants but must only smoke in your place of residence.
