Are you looking to blaze the trails this holiday long weekend?
Cannabis is legal in Canada and there are tons of ways to enjoy cannabis while camping. Ontario has a glorious splendour of beaches, trails, conservation areas, and campgrounds. Once known as drinking holidays, long weekends can also be a great time for social consumption with friends.
If you’re bringing Mary Jane along for the ride, here are four things you need to know:
- Don’t travel with more than 30 grams, or equivalent, of cannabis per person.
- Parks Canada sites don’t allow smoking in common areas, but your campsite is fine.
- Adhere to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to avoid costly fines.
- Pack smoke-free cannabis products for places where smoking isn’t allowed.
Is it legal to consume cannabis on trails, escarpments, conservation areas and campgrounds?
It depends. Private campgrounds and municipalities set their own rules so be sure to check their cannabis policy before lighting up. Each province gets to set their own rules about where you can, and can’t, consume cannabis in public.
Parks Canada sites allow cannabis on individual campsites as they are considered private dwellings. You’re also welcome to enjoy cannabis while in the backcountry, swimming holes or on trails.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking or vaping tobacco and cannabis within 20 meters of a playground, public enclosures or common areas like washrooms. If you smoke or vape where it is not allowed, you may be charged with an offence and subject to a fine ($1,000 for a first offence, $5,000 for any further offence) if convicted.
All cannabis is banned on boats—not just smoking or vaping
For those who enjoy a day on water, or regularly visit cottage country, it’s important to note that absolutely no consumption is allowed. This doesn’t just pertain to smoking or vaping, any kind of cannabis is prohibited. The rule applies not only to the person driving the boat but also to the passengers.
The exceptions to this rule allow medical cannabis patients to use edible products and any smoke-free options. If your boat doubles as a private residence with permanent sleeping accommodations and cooking and sanitary facilities—and is docked—cannabis is permitted.
Stick to the legal limit and don’t forget to be a good neighbour
When stocking up for a long weekend, don’t forget that individuals can only possess 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent in public at any given time.
The Cannabis Act counts one gram of dried cannabis as equal (equivalent) to:
- 5 grams of fresh cannabis
- 15 grams of edible product
- 70 grams of liquid product
- 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
Be considerate when consuming cannabis during camping, hiking or any outdoor activities. Not everyone loves the smell of cannabis and it’s courteous to be mindful of where and when you are consuming. Don’t forget that private campground and municipalities have their own sets of rules. Do your research before choosing a place to camp out with cannabis.
