The marijuana legalization date is creeping up on us and yet, there’s one question we’re all still asking ourselves: what should we expect?
We have all the answers to your burning questions, plain and simple. Here’s what you need to know about legalization in your home province.
Ontario
Legalization date: October 17th, 2018.
Age requirements: you must be 19 years of age or older to purchase, possess, or grow recreational cannabis.
Where to purchase: in-person or online at the Ontario Cannabis Store. With a limit of 30 grams (one ounce) at a time.
Where it can it be used: only in private residences. This includes any outdoor space of a home.
Where can’t it be used: in public, at work, in a vehicle. Penalties for this offence very between $1,000 and $5,000.
Driving: it will be illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. If found under the influence, you could face: immediate licence suspension, financial penalties, vehicle impoundment, a criminal record, jail time.
Growing: a maximum of four plants per household.
Medical: your access to medical cannabis will not chance once it becomes legal. However, the rules differ. You can only purchase medical marijuana from a federally licenced producer online, by written order, or by secure mail. You are also able to grow medical marijuana on your own.
For more information: want to know more?
- Quebec
Legalization date: has not been set yet as the legislation has not been passed. The earliest you will be able to purchase it is end of August.
Age requirements: you must be at least 18 years of age to purchase marijuana at $6.00 a gram.
Where to purchase: you will be able to purchase cannabis from the Societe Quebecoise du Cannabis (SQDC). There will be 20 retail locations, online ordering options, and an outlet.
Where can it be used: marijuana will have the same restrictions as smoking a cigarette.
Where can’t it be used: in restaurants, bars, at work, in hospitals, in post-secondary institutions and specific areas of residential buildings.
Driving: smoking and driving will be illegal. If suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana, all drivers will be obligated to submit saliva samples, potentially leading to a 90-day licence suspension.
Growing: it will be illegal to grow marijuana at home.
For more information: want to know more?
Alberta
- Legalization date: October 17th, 2018.
- Age requirements: you must be 18 or older to purchase. Children will be unable to enter a store selling cannabis, even with a parent or guardian.
Where to purchase: from licenced stores or org edibles will not yet be legal.
Where it can be used: only in private residences.
Where it can’t be used: smoking marijuana will be prohibited in any public places.
Driving: driving high is illegal and if found under the influence you will be subjected to drug tests and criminal charges.
Growing: there will be a maximum limit of four plants to be grown per household (not per person).
For more information: want to know more?
British Columbia
- Legalization date: the date of legalization will be October 17th, 2018.
Age requirements: the minimum age of purchase will be 19 years of age. Adults will be allowed to possess a maximum of 30 grams while in public.
Where to purchase: the Liquor Distribution Branch will be the wholesale distributor of non-medical marijuana.
Where it can be used: in private residence and at work as long as it does not take place during work hours.
Where it can’t be used: marijuana will not be permitted on school property, while driving, boating, or while in a vehicle.
Driving: if found under the influence of marijuana, you will be subjected to the new 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition (ADP). New drivers are restricted to a zero tolerance policy.
Growing: will be limited to four marijuana plants per household.
For more information: want to know more?