Written by The Strategy
As of 12:00 this morning, marijuana is now legal in Canada. You are now legally able to buy and consume pot for, not only medical, but recreational purposes. Finally, getting high after a long day’s work is going to be the same as pouring yourself a big glass of Pinot Grigio.
On June the Canadian Senate voted to pass Bill C-45, known as the Cannabis Act. The act legalizes and regulates cannabis sales across Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau believes this move will make it harder for youth to purchase and use marijuana, prevent Canadians from ending up with criminal records for possessing small amounts of the drug, and keep profits from the drug trade out of criminal hands.
So what does this all mean exactly? Let’s break it down.
Bill C-What?
Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act. The bill will allow Canadians over the age of 18 to buy and consume small amounts of marijuana, and allows up to four marijuana plants in each household. Of course, the actual age to purchase varies on the province. Provinces like Alberta allows those over 18, while other provinces and territories allow those over the age of 19. In Quebec, you have to wait until your 21 to be able to legally buy marijuana.
Like the age variations, the bill leaves it up to each province and territory to pass their own laws regulating the consumption of the drug.
When Can I Buy Weed Legally?
Like, right now. As of midnight, purchasing of weed for those over 18 became legal.
But, Where Can I Buy It?
Private vs. public ownership of weed retail distribution varies per province and territory. Here’s what we know so far:
Quebec, Yukon and the Maritimes: They will sell through government-operated retail stores and online.
Nova Scotia: Weed will be sold where alcohol is sold at 12 publicly-owned provincial liquor stores.
Ontario: The newly open for business website, Ontario Cannabis Store will sell just what the name suggests. The private sector retailers will sell in brick-and-mortar stores.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan: Privately owned and retail and online stores.
Nunavut: No stores are planned to open, but weed will be available online.
Can I Buy in Bulk?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Individuals are allowed 30 grams of dried cannabis, with most provinces allowing you to keep more at home.
What Kinds Can I Buy?
Two types of marijuana have been legalized today. 1. Flower, which is the kind you smoke or use in a vaporizer. 2. Oils, which can be ingested. Edibles are still not legal.
Where Can I Get High?
Public smoking varies per province and territory. In most provinces, namely, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Quebec, you are free to smoke wherever tobacco may be smoked. It others, you are only allowed to smoke on private property and residences.