Canada has now legalised cannabis country-wide as a new initiative as of the 17th of October 2018. 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or non-dried are allowed to be purchased from federally licensed producers. Residents are also able to make cannabis products such as food and drink as long as it is not used in concentrated products.
So, the next time you want to spark up in Canada please be wary of the following things…
Who can purchase Cannabis in Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen, then you are able to purchase cannabis up to a certain amount which is 30 grams from a licensed seller.
Does my travel insurance company cover me for cannabis possession in Canada?
Fast Cover does not cover you for cannabis use while in Canada. This exclusion is found under General Exclusion 29, located on page 69 of the PDS. While it is legal to use cannabis in Canada, if the claim arises from the use of Drugs, unless prescribed by your medical practitioner, it would not be covered.
Who can’t purchase cannabis?
You are not able to purchase cannabis under the age of 18. There are two criminal offences related to providing cannabis to youth, with maximum penalties of 14 years in jail:
- Giving or selling cannabis to youth
- Using a youth to commit a cannabis-related offence.
Other information
The recreational use of cannabis is subject to territorial restrictions. The legal age varies with each territory. There is a strict legal framework around the use of cannabis, including but not limited to:
- Possession
- Purchase
- Sharing and production
Illegal distribution, impairment, giving or selling cannabis to a person under the legal age, possession of cannabis over the legal amount can incur criminal penalties, including jail time.
It is illegal to transport cannabis over the legal amount can incur criminal penalties, including jail time.
It is illegal to transport cannabis across Canada’s international borders, including to and from the United States. You can find more information on this from Smartraveller.
*This article is only intended to provide general information in summary form on this topic, current at the time of first publication. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal legal advice and advice from official government bodies should be sought matters.
