As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis is legal in Ontario and any adult 19 or older is legally permitted to purchase, possess, consume, and produce recreational cannabis.
The Government of Ontario for the people was highly meticulous in its preparations for cannabis legalization, taking several pre-emptive precautions to assure overall safety and avoid legal cannabis from negatively harming the province’s people. As a result, Ontario enacted its own set of rules governing the regulation of legal cannabis, with the essential framework of these laws being quite similar to those in effect for tobacco and alcohol.
These regulations seek to govern Ontario’s recreational cannabis sector by defining who can buy, possess, and use recreational cannabis, as well as how and where they can do so.
Age Restrictions
Ontario has set the minimum age for cannabis purchase and use at 19.
Possession
Adults age 19 or up are permitted to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent.
Purchasing
When buying legal cannabis in Ontario, there are two choices:
- Digitally through the Ontario Cannabis Store
- At one of the province’s authorized retail locations
Consumers 19 years of age and older are legally permitted to acquire up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in other cannabis products through online or in-person sales, and orders done over the Internet may be expected to arrive safely and securely. Consumers must produce identification proving their age and accept the package at the door to receive an online order.
Consumption
Consumption of cannabis is prohibited in the following areas:
- Common areas indoor
- Public spaces that are enclosed
- Surrounded workplaces
- Non-designated hotel guest rooms
- Schools and other places where children congregate
Top Dispensaries in Ontario
Transportation
Adults 19 years of age and older are legally permitted to transport cannabis in their vehicles, provided they fulfill the following guidelines (Similar to the restrictions for alcohol):
- The cannabis must be in its original packaging, which has never been opened.
- The cannabis must be out of access to the driver and any passengers of the vehicle.
Bringing cannabis across the Canadian border is against the law. Check with your airline for information about bringing cannabis aboard a flight inside Canada. Source
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited in Ontario.
Cultivation
Adults of legal age are permitted to grow up to four cannabis plants per home. Adults must only produce cannabis from seeds obtained from legal cannabis retailers (the Ontario Cannabis Store). Source
FAQs
Is cannabis legal in Ontario?
Yes, on October 17, 2018, cannabis was made legal across Canada, including in Ontario.
What is the legal age for cannabis possession and consumption in Ontario?
19.
How much cannabis can I possess in Ontario?
Adults of legal age may possess up to 30 grams of dry cannabis or its equivalent.
Where can I consume cannabis in Ontario?
Adults 19 years of age and older are allowed to legally consume cannabis in both private dwellings and public places where tobacco products are also permitted (designated hotel and lodging rooms, residential boats and vehicles, scientific research facilities and controlled areas in places like retirment homes and veterans’ facilities). Source
Can I grow my own cannabis in Ontario?
Yes, individuals aged 19 and above are permitted to grow up to four plants per household from legally obtained seeds.
Am I allowed to transport cannabis within Ontario?
Yes, adults of legal age are permitted to transport cannabis in their cars as long as the amount transported is under the legal limit, is secured in closed packaging, and is kept out of reach of the driver and other passengers.
Where can I purchase recreational cannabis in Ontario?
Adults of legal age can buy recreational cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store or in person at a government-authorized retail store.