Special instructions - Simple possession Cannabis and other offences

Were you convicted of simple possession of cannabis and at least one other offence (e.g., assault)? If so, please note the following:

• A simple possession of cannabis conviction will not be included in your waiting period calculation and will not be considered by Board members in their assessment.
• You are eligible to apply even if you have not paid the fine or victim surcharge that was imposed for the simple possession of cannabis conviction only. Any unpaid fines will not be forgiven and provincial and federal governments may choose to enforce their payment later, even if you receive a record suspension.
• You must have completed all other parts of the sentence (i.e., imprisonment and probation, restitution and compensation orders) for both simple possession of cannabis and any other offences.

You must clearly demonstrate to the Parole Board of Canada that you were convicted of simple possession of cannabis by obtaining official documentation from the court that heard your case and/or the police service that has jurisdiction in the location where you were arrested.

It must be clear that any unpaid fine is for the simple possession of cannabis conviction only. If the fine or surcharge was imposed for multiple offences on the same day, it must be paid in full as a condition of eligibility and the applicable waiting period applies.

You must review the official documentation you have obtained carefully to determine if it clearly demonstrates that the substance was cannabis.

If you are unable to demonstrate to the Parole Board of Canada that the substance was cannabis, you must complete the entire sentence, including payment of fines and victim surcharges before applying. The conviction will also be included in your waiting period calculation.

PLEASE NOTE: You must complete steps 1 to 9 of the Record Suspension Application Guide if you were convicted of simple possession of cannabis AND any other offence.