Where to Buy Legal Weed in Canada Guide
On October 17th, 2018, Canadians received a reprieve they have been longing for decades. Finally, the Cannabis Act was in force. Thanks to the latest law, a new and strict framework for controlling the growing, distribution, possession and sale of cannabis came into effect.
As the first G7 nation to fully legalize the sale of cannabis for recreational use, the Canadian government enacted the law to displace the illegal cannabis market. Also, to prevent the youth from accessing illegal cannabis.
Basically, the Canadian government passed the Cannabis Act to protect the safety and health of the youth. To do so, severe penalties for those selling or supplying illegal cannabis to the youth have been established.
At the moment, the only thing that is exciting to Canadians is the opportunity to buy, possess and use cannabis without fear of being arrested by law enforcement officers. https://smoke.io suggests 30 grams is the limit. For a very long time, many people relied on unscrupulous individuals or private dispensaries to buy cannabis. Now, the government has set up measures to ensure that any entrepreneur interested in producing, selling and distributing cannabis can do so with the government approval.
So, where can Canadians buy cannabis?
Below is an in-depth guide that will help to answer the question – Where to Buy Legal Weed in Canada.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is the age limit allowed for one to partake cannabis in Canada?
Although the Cannabis Act passed by the Canadian government makes cannabis to be fully legalized, there are restrictions such as the age limit allowed to partake cannabis. At the moment, the law only allows Canadians aged 18 years and above to partake cannabis.
Not only that, the Canadian government is allowing people aged 18 years and above to grow, distribute and even sale recreational cannabis to other users.
This law is upheld in all Canadian provinces.
How much cannabis are Canadians allowed to possess?
In public, the Cannabis Act restricts cannabis users to possess a maximum of 30 grams. It is important to note that the rule above restricts the possession of dried cannabis. This does not include edible cannabis.
The law also has a provision that enables Canadians aged between 12 to 18 years to possess a maximum of 5 grams of cannabis.
If you possess more than 30 grams but less than 50 grams, law enforcement officers can give you a ticket and if you are 19 years and below and distribute more than 5 grams, you will receive a ticket.
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, prosecution is possible if found in possession of 50+ grams. This is the hybrid offense.
How to grow Cannabis for sale?
Interested in becoming a cannabis grower and vendor in any one of the Canadian provinces? Well, thank the Cannabis Act. To grow cannabis for sale, there are a few requirements to fulfill.
First, you need to apply for a license. The Health Canada issues this. Before getting a license, first understand the federal, provincial and municipal government legislation.
Second, decide what type of license to apply for. There are several classes and subclasses of licenses. To better understand what fits your needs, it is important to research. To help you with this, use the following resource – Cannabis classes and subclasses of licenses.
Third, create an account with the Cannabis Tracking and Licensing System. Before getting started, it is highly recommended for applicants to read the Cannabis Licensing Application Guide.
Use the following resource – Getting Started guide: CTLS
Once you have completed the application and submitted it for review, follow up on the status of the application online.
Where to Buy Legal Weed in Canada
As of October 17th, 2018, Canadians have the opportunity of purchasing cannabis for recreational use online and from more than 100 stores spread across all the provinces. Here is a list of locations where to buy cannabis in Canada.
Alberta
If you live in Alberta, you can buy cannabis for recreational use from 17 shops opened as of October 17th, 2018. If you prefer purchasing online, you can do so and have your cannabis delivered to your doorstep. Just shop at Alberta Cannabis. Here is a list of the 17 shops according to region/cities.
● Edmonton – 6 stores
● Medicine Hat – 3 stores
● Calgary – 4 stores
● Fort Saskatchewan – 2 stores
● Spruce Grove – 1 store
● St. Albert – 1 store
● Stony Plain – 1 store
British Columbia
For the good folks living in British Columbia, shop for the best bud online at B.C Liquor Distribution Branch website. If you live in Kamloops, you are in luck. There is one store located at Suite 200, Columbia Place Shopping Center.
Manitoba
From our research, Manitoba has 5 stores in Winnipeg and 1 store in Dauphin. Here are the locations of the shops in Winnipeg
● Meta Cannabis Supply Co – Unit 23 584 Pembina Hwy
● Hiku/Tokyo Smoke – 55B Goulet St
● Tweed/Canopy, 120 Osborne St
● Tweed/Canopy, 1592 Regent Avenue
● Delta 9 Cannabis Store, Unit 1 –827 Dakota St
Newfoundland and Labrador
For the fun folk from the East, they have access to 24 stores which is actually the highest number of stores in Canada. The 24 stores opened on October 17th, 2018 and since then, they have been serving the fun folk from the East.
New Brunswick
After the Newfoundland and Labrador regions, News Brunswick is the next province with 20 stores. As one of the provinces leading in the legalization of cannabis, users also have a chance of shopping online. Check out Cannabis –NB for more details.
Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, residents can buy cannabis from their favorite booze and liquor stores. Although the territory is planning on licensing private retails stores, shoppers can buy dried cannabis in Hay River, Fort Smith, Yellowknife, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, and Inuvik.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotians have access to 12 shops opened on October 17th, 2018 or what many Canadians have come to refer to as Legalization Day. Just like in the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotians can now buy booze and weed at the same location.
For online shoppers, get your cannabis delivered right to your doorstep when you shop at NSLC Cannabis.
Nunavut
At the moment, you can buy cannabis from the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission website. After the purchase, delivery is right to your doorstep.
Other Canadian regions
● Ontario – buy cannabis from the Ontario Cannabis store
● Prince Edward Island – 5 stores and 1 online store – PEI Cannabis Corp
● Quebec – 15 stores
● Yukon – 1 store and 1 online store – Cannabis Yukon
For a full list of stores and their addresses, click here.
Final Thoughts
Although Canada has fully legalized the growing, distribution, possession and sale of cannabis, users need to tread carefully. Yes, law enforcement officers cannot give you a ticket or arrest you if you have less than 30 grams (19+years) and 5 grams (12 to 18 years). If you break the law for possession limit, not only will you be given a ticket but you may end up having a criminal record.
To ensure safe use and possession of cannabis, make yourself aware of the laws. Also, purchase from a government licensed store.