Non-medical cannabis is now legal in Canada. Here, you’ll find information on the laws and regulations that will help keep the people and communities of British Columbia safe.
There are strict laws and regulations around the legalization of non-medical cannabis. Before you buy, use, or grow your own non-medical cannabis, learn more about what’s legal and what’s not.
Cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals are not currently legal for sale in Canada. The Federal government plans to legalize these cannabis products by October 17, 2019.
Medical cannabis is within the responsibility of Health Canada. To find out more, go to Health Canada.
You must be 19 years or older to buy, use, possess, or grow non-medical cannabis in B.C.
To protect your health, keep young people safe and help prevent crime in your community, non-medical cannabis will be sold exclusively at government-run stores, licensed private retailers, and the B.C. government’s online store.
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) operates public retail stores and the online store. The list of public retail stores, will be available on the BC Cannabis Stores website. Online sales will be available only through the BC government online store. Private retail stores cannot offer online sales and delivery services for non-medical cannabis are not permitted.
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch is responsible for licensing and monitoring private retail stores. Licensed private retailers may sell cannabis and cannabis accessories. They may not sell liquor or tobacco or any items other than cannabis and cannabis accessories. The list of licensed retailers will be available on the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch’s page. Licensed retailers will be required to display a valid licence where it is visible to the public.
All legal non-medical cannabis has an excise stamp attached to its packaging. Federally-licensed producers and processors apply the appropriate excise tax stamp for British Columbia. If the product does not have a British Columbia stamp it is not legal for sale in B.C. Each province and territory has a different coloured cannabis excise stamp for products sold in their jurisdiction.
B.C. cannabis excise stamp
Adults 19+ can carry up to 30 grams of dried non-medical cannabis, or its equivalent, in a public place.
In addition, adults cannot possess any more than 1,000 grams of dried non-medical cannabis, or its equivalent, in a non-public place, such as at your home. This limit is per household and is based on the expected yield from four cannabis plants.
Adults 19+ can generally smoke or vape cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking and vaping are allowed. But remember, second-hand smoke can be harmful and irritating to people, especially children, so be mindful when smoking in public spaces.
Smoking and vaping cannabis are not allowed in the following public places:
Registered hotel guests may smoke or vape cannabis in their hotel room if the hotel allows it.
Community care facilities, assisted living residences, and hospitals may designate specific rooms in which residents or patients can smoke or vape cannabis.
Non-medical cannabis consumption (in all forms) is banned on K-12 school properties, as well as any adjacent sidewalks or boulevards. It’s also illegal for both driver and passenger(s) to consume non-medical cannabis in a car.
Local and Indigenous governments can set additional restrictions on public use of non-medical cannabis under existing powers to establish bylaws.
This printable factsheet provides additional details about public consumption in B.C.
Non-medical cannabis consumption is generally not allowed in vehicles whether they are parked or moving, but there are some exceptions to this rule.
It can be used in motorhomes or other motor vehicles, or campers, or trailers when being used as a private residence and parked off a public road or forest service road where camping is allowed.
Cannabis can be transported in a vehicle as long as it’s in its original, unopened packaging, or is inaccessible to the driver and occupants (for example, in the trunk). In addition, a maximum of four non-medical cannabis plants can be transported in a vehicle, but they cannot be budding or flowering.
Non-medical cannabis use is generally not allowed on boats. However, you are allowed to use non-medical cannabis on a boat that is moored or anchored if it has sleeping accommodations, a kitchen and a toilet.
Non-medical cannabis use is allowed in a private cabin on a commercially operated boat if the operator allows it.
There are exemptions for use of Health Canada authorized medical cannabis on school property and on inter-city buses, trains and boats as long as specific requirements are met. Details are available in the Cannabis Control Regulation under Part 4 – Medical Cannabis.
There are strict federal rules around promotion of cannabis.
In addition, under provincial regulations, it is illegal for anyone without a retail license issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to advertise themselves as a licensed retailer. Also, no one can market, advertise or promote a place as a location to consume cannabis, or spend time after consuming cannabis.
To find out more about the provincial rules regarding advertising and promotion see sections 36 and 37 of the Cannabis Control Regulation and section 9 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Transitional Regulation.
Cannabis can be used for medical or non-medical purposes. People may choose to use cannabis for its therapeutic effects. But it can also harm your health. Cannabis affects everyone differently.
In a Statistics Canada survey, 17% of people in British Columbia reported consuming cannabis within the past year. But cannabis use does carry some health risks. These risks vary by age of user, consumption method and context of use.
Learn more about the health risks and guidelines for safer use:
Cannabis use is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Using cannabis (in any form) during pregnancy carries health risks to the fetus. Chemicals from cannabis are also passed through breast milk, which could lead to health or behavioural problems for the child consuming the breast milk.
Cannabis use during pregnancy can harm your baby:
Learn more about the health risks of cannabis use, including during pregnancy and while breastfeeding:
You must be 19 years or older to buy, consume (through smoking, vaping and all other forms of consumption), possess or grow non-medical cannabis. Early and regular cannabis use is associated with higher risks of dependency and health problems later in life.
Cannabis can affect your health:
Information for parents and caregivers/allies:
Information for youth and young adults:
Growing cannabis plants at home is legal. Adults 19+ can grow up to four non-medical cannabis plants per household. These plants cannot be grown in a space that is visible from a public place, like parks, streets, sidewalks, sports fields, and K-12 school properties. For example, you can grow plants on your balcony, or in your yard, as long as they’re not visible from a public place.
Growing cannabis at home is banned in homes used as licensed child care.
Landlords and strata corporations can further restrict or prohibit growing non-medical cannabis on their properties.
Local and Indigenous government can also further restrict growing non-medical cannabis at home under existing powers to establish bylaws.
This printable factsheet of frequently asked questions provides additional details about growing at home.
There are strict rules and regulations around travelling with cannabis. Before you travel with cannabis, get informed.
It’s illegal to transport cannabis across the Canadian border. It doesn’t matter whether you’re leaving or entering Canada, or what the laws of your destination are. Bottom line: don’t cross the border with cannabis.
The Government of Canada has important information you’ll need to know before travelling with cannabis. Check out this video to learn more.
Cannabis laws are different between provinces and territories. This includes legal age, where you can smoke or vape, consume, and buy cannabis. Make sure to learn the laws before you travel. Check out the provincial and territorial websites for more details:
Non-medical cannabis consumption is generally not allowed in vehicles whether they are parked or moving, but there are some exceptions to this rule.
It can be used in motorhomes or other motor vehicles, or campers, or trailers when being used as a private residence and parked off a public road or forest service road where camping is allowed.
Cannabis can be transported in a vehicle as long as it’s in its original, unopened packaging, or is inaccessible to the driver and occupants (for example, in the trunk). In addition, a maximum of four non-medical cannabis plants can be transported in a vehicle, but they cannot be budding or flowering.
This printable factsheet of frequently asked questions provides additional details about transporting or consuming cannabis in vehicles.
The federal government regulates all air travel in Canada. Please see the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines for transportation of cannabis.
With public health and safety top of mind, the Province has passed legislation to provide legal, controlled access to non-medical cannabis in British Columbia:
In addition, the Province has put the following new and amended regulations in place:
Cannabis is also known as marijuana, pot, or weed. There are two main types of cannabis plant: sativa and indica. The cannabis plant contains a number of chemical compounds called cannabinoids that may affect the brain and other parts of the body’s nervous system. Parts of the cannabis plant that may be consumed include the leaves, flowers, and buds. Cannabis can be consumed in a number of ways, including can be smoked, vaporized, applied to the skin, cooked in food, or brewed into tea. Cannabis can be used for medical and non-medical purposes.
The most researched cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for the high and intoxication effects. THC has some therapeutic effects, but it can also have harmful effects. Harmful effects may be greater when the strength of THC is higher.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is another type of cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication. It may be used for its therapeutic effects.
There are laws and regulations to keep your community safe. With public health and safety top of mind, the Province has passed legislation to provide legal, controlled access to non-medical cannabis in British Columbia.
Growing Cannabis at Home
Buying and Selling Cannabis
Cannabis in the Workplace
Tenants, Landlords and Strata Corporations
Local and Indigenous Governments
Adults 19+ can grow up to four non-medical cannabis plants per household. These plants cannot be grown in a space that is visible from a public place. Examples of public places include parks, streets, sidewalks, sports fields, and K-12 school properties. For example, you can grow plants on your balcony, or in your yard, as long as they’re not visible from a public place.
Local and Indigenous governments can further restrict growing cannabis at home. Landlords and strata corporations can also restrict or ban home-growing of non-medical cannabis on their properties.
Growing cannabis is banned in homes used as licensed child care.
Cannabis plants are susceptible to many pests including insects, mites, fungi and bacteria. The way you treat cannabis plants will be different from the way you care for other houseplants due to the fact the plant may be inhaled or ingested. It is recommended that you carefully consider which pest control strategy you choose, as some may impact your health. Learn more about Pest Management and Common Pests.
Resources for growing non-medical cannabis at home in BC:
Adults 19+ in B.C. can buy non-medical cannabis from government-run and private licensed retail stores, and the B.C. government’s online store. B.C.’s Liquor Distribution Branch provides wholesale cannabis to retail stores and operates public retail stores and online sales. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch licenses and regulates private non-medical cannabis stores. The Province is developing a mandatory training program for non-medical cannabis retail employees. Training will ensure staff have the tools to educate consumers about responsible and lower risk use.
Public safety and health are vital to B.C. employers. And the Province has strong occupational health and safety regulations. Employers must determine if employees are fit for work. If an employee is impaired by cannabis at work, the employer must ask the impaired person to stop work and leave the grounds. WorkSafeBC encourages employers to use legalization of non-medical cannabis as an opportunity to assess how they manage workplace impairment issues.
Employers can review the following resources: WorkSafeBC’s Substance Use and Impairment in the Workplace webpage; Workplace Strategies: Risk of Impairment from Cannabis, a resource for employers developed by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety; and the Construction Industry of British Columbia Substance Abuse Testing & Treatment Program Policy, developed by the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC and the Bargaining Council of BC Building Trades Unions.
Landlords and strata corporations can restrict or ban growing and smoking non-medical cannabis on their properties as set out below.
The Residential Tenancy Act and Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act have been updated to reflect the following rule changes:
For any new tenancy agreement after legalization, the landlord and tenant must negotiate whether those sections are included.
Resources for Renters and Landlords:
Strata corporations can pass a bylaw, by a 3/4 vote of owners, to restrict or ban smoking or growing non-medical cannabis. Learn more about amending strata bylaws and passing a non-smoking strata bylaw at the Province’s strata housing website. Strata corporations may find it helpful to seek legal advice before passing bylaws. Learn more about getting legal advice on stratas.
Many strata corporations and owners find it helpful to belong to a strata association. These associations provide member support, workshops, resources and advice for a fee. Some information is freely available on the strata associations’ websites.
For more information on how to accommodate the medical use of cannabis under Human Rights legislation, contact a strata association or a strata lawyer about the proper steps to take.
Local and Indigenous governments have the power to make decisions based on the needs and priorities of their communities including creating bylaws or other laws with respect to property, public health and safety and nuisances. Rules around where you can use or grow non-medical cannabis may vary from community to community. Some communities may choose to restrict these activities. In addition, the Province will not issue a licence to sell non-medical cannabis without support from the local government or Indigenous nation.
To find out the rules and regulations in your community, please check with your local government or Indigenous government.
Sport organizations may want to consider how legalization of non-medical cannabis impacts their sport environment. ViaSport British Columbia has summarized elements of cannabis legislation relevant to sport organizations in B.C.
There are strict laws in place to protect children. You must be 19 years or older to buy, consume (through smoking, vaping and all other forms of consumption), possess or grow non-medical cannabis. Early and regular cannabis use is associated with higher risks of dependency and health problems.
Youth
Parents and Mentors
All children deserve to be safe, healthy, and protected from harm. That’s why the Province has taken important steps to protect youth and children from using non-medical cannabis at an early age.
In British Columbia,
All packaging and labelling for cannabis is regulated by the federal government. Strict limits on the look and feel are intended to make it less appealing to youth.
Youth will learn about substance use, including cannabis, in school from Kindergarten to Grade 10 through BC’s Physical Health Education curriculum. Topics include:
Parents and mentors play an important role in helping young people make healthy and informed decisions about cannabis. But talking to youth about cannabis can be difficult if you don’t know the facts.
What do you need to know about cannabis?
Check out these resources to help you have open conversations with your kids about cannabis:
Road safety is a priority for everyone. There are strict laws and regulations to keep our roads safe.
Drug-Affected Driving
Policing
Getting behind the wheel while impaired is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Drug-affected drivers can face serious consequences like fines, licence prohibitions and jail-time. Learn more about the federal laws and consequences here.
British Columbia made changes to the Motor Vehicle Act, to provide police with more tools to address and deter drug-affected driving. New drivers in the Province’s Graduated Licensing Program now have a zero-tolerance restriction for the presence of drugs, such as THC and cocaine, in their body. More information on the 90-day administrative driving prohibition for any drug-affected driver, or driver with a blood drug concentration equal to or exceeding the legal limits under the Motor Vehicle Act, is expected in spring 2019.
Learn about drug-affected driving and the consequences here:
Non-medical cannabis consumption is generally not allowed in vehicles whether they are parked or moving, but there are some exceptions to this rule.
It can be used in motorhomes or other motor vehicles, or campers, or trailers when being used as a private residence and parked off a public road or forest service road where camping is allowed.
Cannabis can be transported in a vehicle as long as it’s in its original, unopened packaging, or is inaccessible to the driver and occupants (for example, in the trunk). In addition, a maximum of four non-medical cannabis plants can be transported in a vehicle, but they cannot be budding or flowering.
This printable factsheet of frequently asked questions provides additional details about transporting or consuming cannabis in vehicles.
Drug-affected driving is illegal. Police in B.C. are trained to detect and deter drug-affected driving and have multiple tools to investigate impaired driving. If a police officer suspects a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is affected by a drug, including cannabis, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, the officer may require a driver to submit to a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST).
Following the SFST, if the police officer believes that a person’s ability to drive is affected by a drug, or a combination of a drug and alcohol, the officer may require a person to:
Learn more about the tools used to combat drug-impaired driving on the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving and Drug Recognition Expert Evaluations pages of the RCMP website.
BC Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Secretariat: cannabis.secretariat@gov.bc.ca
Liquor Distribution Branch: cannabis@bcldb.com
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch: cannabisregs@gov.bc.ca
Community Safety Unit: csu@gov.bc.ca
Federal Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Branch: cannabis@canada.ca
This website contains general information about cannabis and is not a replacement for the legislation. It does not contain or constitute legal advice.
