Cannabis FAQs

What is the minimum age to buy, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis?

You must be 19 years of age or older to purchase, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis within the Province of Ontario.  You are permitted to grow four (4) cannabis plants per household.

How much cannabis can I possess in public?

You are permitted to possess a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis or it’s equivalent in non-dried form in a public place, at any time.  This allotted amount only applies to recreational cannabis.  Medicinal cannabis prescribed by a medical professional will have its own daily allotment, which is then added to the 30 gram recreational allotment. 

Where can I purchase legal cannabis?

If you are 19 years of age or older, you can purchase legal cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS.ca) or in-person from an authorized cannabis retail store.  Of note, authorized cannabis retail stores are now permitted to offer delivery and curbside pick-up services.  You will be required to verify that you are at least 19 years of age or older, to accept delivery. 

Can I share my recreational cannabis with someone else?

If you are 19 years of age or older, you can share up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or it’s equivalent in non-dried forms, with someone who is 19 years of age or older. 

I know I can legally possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis but how much is that in other forms of cannabis such as oils, seeds or solids?

You are permitted to purchase up to 30 grams (approximately one ounce) of dried recreational cannabis or it’s equivalent at one time, for personal use.  Cannabis products sold through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS.ca) and/or an authorized cannabis retail store state the dried cannabis equivalency on the label.   

It is legal to possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or the equivalent in non-dried forms.

The following lists the equivalent amounts of other legal forms: 

One gram of dried cannabis is equivalent to:

• 5 grams of fresh cannabis.
• 15 grams of edible cannabis product.
• 70 grams of liquid cannabis product.
• 0.25 grams of cannabis concentrates (liquid or solid).
• 1 cannabis plant seed.  

**Please note that the equivalency chart is not intended for medicinal cannabis purposes, where the public possession limits for authorized patients may be different than the 30 grams allowed for recreational purposes.**

The current THC limits which vary depending on the type of cannabis product are as follows:

• dried or fresh cannabis: no extra THC can be added (it can only contain as much THC as the plant produces).
• edible cannabis: maximum 10 mg of THC per container (no matter how many edibles are in the container).
• cannabis extracts for ingestion or inhalation (capsules, oils, or contained in vape pens): maximum of 1000 mg of THC per container.
• topicals: maximum 1000 mg of THC per container. 

Can I legally buy, use, possess edible forms of cannabis?

As of October 17^th 2019, edible cannabis products and concentrates were made legal for sale/purchase.  It is also legal to make your own cannabis products, such as food and drinks, as long as organic solvents (chemicals) are not used while producing concentrated cannabis products. 

What happens if I possess more than 30 grams of legal dried cannabis or equivalent in non-dried forms in a public place?

Under the Federal Cannabis Act, the penalty for possession of more than the legally allowed amount of cannabis can range from a fine of up to $5,000.00 and/or imprisonment for a term not more than five years less day. 

How do I know if a retail cannabis store is legit or not?

In the Province of Ontario, retail cannabis stores are authorized and regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).  The Ontario Cannabis Store is the exclusive wholesaler to the authorized retailers.  You can also refer to the AGCO’s website which provides a full list of authorized cannabis retailers in the Province of Ontario.

To ensure that the store is authorized, you can also look for the official cannabis retail seal which must be displayed at the store: 

How do I tell the difference between legal and illegal cannabis products?

Only federal cannabis licence holders permitted to grow cannabis for sale. This ensures that all legal cannabis products meet strict product safety and quality control requirements.

Legal cannabis products are only sold through retailers authorized by provincial and territorial governments, with one exception. Individuals who are authorized by a health care professional, can register to buy cannabis products for medical purposes directly from a federally licensed seller.

Every package of a legal cannabis product has the following:

• the standardized cannabis symbol.
• mandatory health warning messages.
• plain packaging and labelling that is child-resistant.
• an excise stamp, which is different for each province and territory.

For images of legal Cannabis Packaging, please visit the government of Canada's packaging guide. 

Under the Federal Cannabis Act, the penalty for possession of more than the legally allowed amount of cannabis can range from fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.

Where can I use recreational cannabis?

Ontario legislation allows for the use of recreational cannabis in the places listed below. However, note that additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in municipal bylaws, lease agreements, and the policies of employers and property owners.

• Private residences excluding those that are also workplaces (e.g. long-term care and/or retirement homes),
• Many outdoor public places (e.g. sidewalks, parks)
• Designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns,
• Residential vehicles and boats that meet certain criteria (e.g. have permanent sleeping accommodations and cooking facilities, and are parked or anchored),
• Controlled areas in:
  • long-term care homes
  • certain retirement homes
  • residential hospices
  • provincially-funded supportive housing
  • designated psychiatric facilities or veterans’ facilities

Where is it illegal to smoke or vape recreational cannabis?

• Indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university/college residences
• Enclosed public places and enclosed work places
• Non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
• Schools and places where children gather, including:
  • at school, on school grounds, or within 20 metres of school grounds
  • on playgrounds or within 20 metres of playgrounds
  • in child care centres, or where an early years programs are provided
  • in places where home child care is provided even if children aren’t present

• Hospitals, hospices, care homes and other facilities, including:
  • within 9 metres of the entrance or exit of hospitals (public/private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes, independent health facilities
  • on outdoor grounds of hospitals (public/private) and psychiatric facilities
  • in non-controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, provincially-funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities, and residential hospices

• Publicly-owned sport fields (not including golf courses), nearby spectator areas and public areas within 20 metres of these areas
• Vehicles and boats that are being driven or are at risk of being put into motion.
• Other outdoor areas where you cannot smoke or vape cannabis, include:
  • in restaurants and on bar patios and public areas within nine metres of a patio
  • on outdoor grounds of Ontario government office buildings
  • in reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
  • grounds of community recreational facilities or public areas within 20 metres of those grounds
  • in sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent (e.g. a bus shelter)

What is the fine for smoking or vaping recreational cannabis in an area where is it not allowed?

The fine for smoking or vaping in a banned area is up to $1,000 for a first offence and up to $5,000 for subsequent offences.

I live in an apartment and can smell that the neighbour is smoking cannabis in the apartment beside me. What can I do?

If you live in a multi-unit building such as an apartment or condo, your building may have specific rules about the use of recreational cannabis in your rental or condo association rules or agreements. If someone is contravening those rules or agreements, contact your landlord or property manager.

Can I grow cannabis at home?

Yes. You are allowed to grow four plants at home. It is important to note that the maximum number of plants allowed per household is four, regardless of the number of people living in the home.

Can an adult grow cannabis in a place of business?

No. You are only allowed to grow any cannabis plant for recreational use in your home.

Can I drive after consuming cannabis?

Drug-impaired driving is a serious criminal offence that puts you and the public at risk. Like driving while impaired by alcohol, drug-impaired driving carries significant penalties. If a police officer determines a driver is impaired by any drug, including cannabis, there are significant penalties which can include:

• immediate licence suspension
• vehicle impoundment
• criminal charges that can result in additional licence suspension, fines and/or jail
• a criminal record if convicted

What about young drivers?

It is illegal for drivers age 21 or younger or any driver with a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence to haveany cannabis in their system while driving.

What about if I drive a commercial vehicle or heavy equipment?

It is illegal drivers of a vehicle that requires an A-F driver’s licence or Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration, or of a road-building machine to have any cannabis in their system while driving.

How will police determine if a driver is impaired by drugs?

Standardized Field Sobriety Test

If a police officer suspects that a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, the officer may carry out a roadside standardized field sobriety test. If a driver fails the test, they can be immediately suspended from driving and face criminal impaired driving charges.

Drug Recognition Evaluation

If an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a driver is impaired, a drug recognition evaluation may be carried out by a specially trained officer. The test helps determine if the impairment is caused by drugs. If a driver fails the test, they can be immediately suspended from driving and face criminal impaired driving charges.