Legalizing and strictly regulating cannabis: Youth and adults

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The Cannabis Act sets out a system for legalizing, strictly regulating and restricting access to cannabis

Federal restrictions to protect youth

Prohibitions

Two new offences

I'm an adult. What will I be allowed to do under the new system?
ALLOWED PROHIBITED
Possession up to the limit
  • Up to 30 grams in public of licit dried cannabis and equivalent in non-dried
  • Sharing up to 30 grams among adults
Purchase and Consumption
  • From a licensed retailer
  • Minimum age of 18 (or higher if set by province/territory)
  • Up to possession limit (30 grams)
  • Initially available: dried and fresh cannabis, cannabis oil
  • Other products (e.g. edibles) available later
Home cultivation
  • Up to 4 plants per residence
  • From legal seeds/seedlings
  • Local oversight (e.g. registration or permit)
  • Make cannabis-containing products at home, such as food and drink
  • No use of dangerous organic solvents
Medical
  • Access to cannabis for medical purposes will be maintained
  • Authorization of health care professional
  • Home or designated production
  • Direct order from licensed producer with secure delivery through mail or by courier

Driving while impaired by a drug (including cannabis)

Driving within two hours of having an illegal level of drugs in blood (new) Table 1 Footnote 1

  • Penalties can range from $1,000 to life imprisonment depending on the level of drugs in blood and whether or not someone was hurt or killed

Illegal distribution or sale

  • Tickets for small amounts
  • Up to 14 years in jail

Possession over the limit

  • Tickets for small amounts
  • Up to 5 years less a day in jail

Giving or selling to youth (new)

  • Up to 14 years in jail

Using a youth to commit a cannabis-related offence (new)

  • Up to 14 years in jail

Taking cannabis across international borders

  • Up to 14 years in jail

Production of cannabis beyond home cultivation limits or with dangerous organic solvents

  • Tickets for small amounts
  • Up to 14 years in jail
Table 1 Footnote 1

In impaired driving legislation

Return to footnote 1 referrer

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