Limits for cannabis possession in public

Under the federal Cannabis Act, adults who are 18 years of age or older can legally possess cannabis within certain limits. It is important to note that although the federal minimum age for possession of cannabis in public is 18, most provinces and territories have raised the minimum age requirement to 19. In Quebec, the age is 21. Cannabis laws, including possession, buying and selling, and producing cannabis are complex and constantly changing. To get help, call a lawyer now.

If you have been charged with a cannabis related or other criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.

Individuals who have attained the legal age of possession in their province can legally possess the following:

1. Up-to 30 grams (about one ounce) of legal cannabis (or the equivalent) in public.
2. Share up-to 30 grams with other adults.
3. Purchase fresh and dried cannabis, and cannabis oils from authorized provincial or territorial retailers.
4. Grow for personal use up-to 4 plants per residence (not per person) from licensed seeds or seedlings.
5. Make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products.

Equivalents to dried cannabis

The Federal Government has developed the equivalent amounts for other cannabis products to identify what their possession limit would be.

Under the Act, one (1) gram of dried cannabis is equal to:

• 5 grams of fresh cannabis
• 15 grams of edible product
• 70 grams of liquid product (non-solids containing cannabis, other than cannabis beverages)
• 570 grams of cannabis beverages
• .25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
• 1 cannabis plant seed

For information on the number of cannabis plant you are allowed to grow at home, refer to Can someone legally grow cannabis at home?

Legal amount of cannabis beverages allowed in public

As of December 2, 2022, the amount of cannabis beverages that an adult can possess in public for non-medical purposes has increased to up-to 17.1 litres (equal to 48 cans of 355 ml each) compared to the previous limit of approximately five 355 mL cans of cannabis beverages.

Penalties for possession over the legal amount

Under the Act, the penalty for possession of cannabis in public over the limit is:

• tickets (fines) for small amounts
• up-to 5 years in prison for large amounts

Youth below the legal age of possession:

• Can be charged for possession and/or distribution of over 5 grams
• Are not allowed to have any plants
• If charged, will be sentenced under the Youth Criminal Justice Act

Limits for cannabis possession at home

Under provincial and territorial rules, the amount of cannabis someone can possess at home is as follows:

No Limits:  Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island

British Columbia: 1,000 grams

Nunavut and Quebec: 150 grams

Saskatchewan and Yukon: No amount has been set.

Get help

To erase your criminal record for simple cannabis possession or any other criminal charges, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 416-938-5858 .

								
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