Comparing Cannabis Laws Across Canadian Provinces

Evan Doherty
Comparing Cannabis Laws Across Canadian Provinces

Depending on where you are, laws around cannabis may differ.

The use of cannabis in Canada was legalized in 2018 through The Cannabis Act. Regulations often vary from the legal age of consumption to growing your own. It’s important to know how your area regulates 

Before you take a puff or munch on your favourite edible, check out our guide to cannabis across Canada’s provinces and territories. Let us break it down for you.

Alberta

Legal Age: 18+ buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in Alberta.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis must be purchased from licensed cannabis retailers or legal websites authorized by the Alberta, Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (ALGC).

Growing: Adults 19 or older can grow up to four cannabis plants per household with seeds bought from licensed retailers. Renters, condo-dwellers, and those living in multi-family dwellings may not be allowed based on rental agreements or condo bylaws. 

British Columbia

Legal Age: 19+ to buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in B.C.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis is only sold at government-run stores, licensed private retailers, and the B.C. government’s online store.

Growing: Adults over 19 can grow up to four non-medical cannabis plants per household that are not visible from a public place. (i.e. on your balcony, in your yard, etc.)

Manitoba

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, use,  or possess non-medical cannabis in Manitoba.

Buying: Legal non-medical cannabis is only available at cannabis retailers licensed by the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA).

Growing: It is illegal to grow any amount of cannabis for personal use in Manitoba, and doing so will result in a $2542 fine.

New Brunswick

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in Manitoba.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can only be purchased through Cannabis NB, a subsidiary of the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (ANBL). 

Growing: Up to four cannabis plants can be grown in a private dwelling for personal use. They must be in a separate locked space indoors and behind a locked enclosure outdoors.

Newfoundland And Labrador

Legal Age: 19+ to buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can legally be purchased at stores licensed through the Newfoundland and Liquor Corporation (NLC) or online through NLC’s web portal. 

Growing: Each private dwelling can grow up to four cannabis plants, which may only be grown indoors where a person ordinarily resides in a secure, adjacent building such as a shed. 

Northwest Territories

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, possess, use, or grow non-medical cannabis in Northwest Territories. 

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can only be legally purchased from NTLCC-approved vendors or the NTLCC-approved online store. 

Growing: Adults over 19 may grow up to four cannabis plants per household. Plants must be grown indoors, and seeds must be purchased from NTLCC-approved vendors or the NTLCC online store. 

Nova Scotia

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, possess, use, or grow non-medical cannabis in Nova Scotia.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can be bought at retailers authorized by Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).

Growing: Legal age adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per household. However, municipalities may have their own bylaws. 

Nunavut

Legal Age: 19+ r to buy, possess, use, or grow non-medical cannabis in Nunavut. 

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can be bought online, by phone, and at physical stores authorized by the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission. 

Growing: Cultivating cannabis plants at home is regulated by the territorial government. Regulations do not apply to approved and licensed home-grown medical cannabis governed by national laws. 

Ontario

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, possess, use, and grow non-medical cannabis in Ontario. 

Buying: Non-medical cannabis be purchased through Ontario Cannabis Store or in person at a privately run provincially authorized retailer. 

Growing: Adults of legal age can grow up to four cannabis plants per residence, and the seeds must be purchased from the Ontario Cannabis store or an authorized retail store.

Prince Edward Island

Legal Age: 19 years or older to buy, possess, use, and grow non-medical cannabis in Prince Edward Island.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can be legally purchased at one of four government-owned retail locations or an e-commerce platform with direct-to-home delivery. 

Growing: Each household can grow up to four cannabis plants indoors only. It must not be accessible to anyone who has not been directly or indirectly invited to the home or anyone under 19. 

Quebec

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Legal Age: 21+ to buy, possess or use non-medical cannabis in Quebec.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis be legally purchased through the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC). 

Growing: It is illegal to cultivate cannabis for personal use. Anyone who commits an offence will be fined $250-$750.

Saskatchewan

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, possess, use, or grow non-medical cannabis in Saskatchewan.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can be legally purchased through retailers authorized by The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). 

Growing: Each household can grow up to four cannabis plants. Landlords have the right to impose rules, and condominium boards can pass bylaws. 

Yukon

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Legal Age: 19+ to buy, possess, use, or grow non-medical cannabis in Yukon.

Buying: Non-medical cannabis can be legally purchased through retailers authorized by the Cannabis Licensing Board and online through the Yukon Liquor Corporation. 

Growing: Up to four cannabis stores with seeds and plant materials obtained through legal retailers are allowed for each household. 

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