Regardless of where you stand on cannabis legalization, it’s important to know the facts.
Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, the legislation legalizing cannabis, passed through Parliament June 19, 2018. Cabinet has set Oct 17, 2018 as the implementation date for Bill C-45. Non-medical consumption of cannabis is still illegal and subject to prosecution under the law until October 17, 2018. Once Bill C-45 is implemented, the Government of Ontario will be responsible for regulating the sale and consumption of cannabis in Ontario. Once cannabis is legalized, the Government of Ontario has said the following rules will apply:
- The minimum age for consumption of cannabis will be 19
- The consumption of cannabis will only be allowed in a private residence, and will not be allowed in public places, the workplace, a motorized vehicle, or elsewhere
- Fines for using cannabis in a public place will begin at $1,000, and go up to $5,000 for every subsequent offence
- Driving under the influence of cannabis will be treated similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol. Possible penalties could include immediate license suspension, fines, vehicle impoundment, criminal record, and jail time
- Those who purchase cannabis will only be able to do so through the Ontario Cannabis Store, either online or in-person
- There will be a purchasing limit of 30 grams per person
- There will be a public possession limit of 30 grams per person
- There will be a limit of four plants per residence (not per person)
- After legalization, the rules for medical cannabis will continue to be different from the rules of recreational cannabis
The laws can be different in each province so if travelling within Canada don’t assume they will be the same.
Canadian Law does not apply in the United States or other countries.
For more information on the legalization of cannabis and its health effects, visit the following links:
- Cannabis legalization in Ontario… https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization
- Health effects of cannabis… https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis.html
- Cannabis in Canada, Additional updates … https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis.html
