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What You Need to Know About Marijuana Legalization in Canada

Posted by Daniel K. Topp on 25 November 2018
What You Need to Know About Marijuana Legalization in Canada

Marijuana legalization in Canada has brought with it a slew of social and legal changes the courts and law professionals are still navigating through. However, there are some key points you need to be aware of before you can enjoy a good puff of that sweet, sweet Hindu Kush.


Where You Can Buy Weed in Canada

While you can now buy weed in Canada legally, specific distribution channels and restrictions vary on a province-by-province basis. While some will allow you to buy weed in Canada from private stores and online sites, others will restrict sale to government-run stores and sites. In Ontario, the only way to buy weed legally is from the Ontario Cannabis Store website.

To learn about weed vendors and restrictions in your jurisdiction, please click here.


You Can Have 4 Plants per Household in Canada

While marijuana is available in legal dispensaries or online sites across the country, Canadians can also grow their own marijuana plants for personal use. People are allowed 4 plants per household in Canada; however, Quebec and Manitoba may introduce provincial legislation to prevent residences from growing their own marijuana plants, even for recreational use.

Additionally, some municipalities across the country are restricting public weed smoking, so be aware of where you light up!


Can You Drive High with a Medical Card in Canada?

Under no circumstances are you allowed to drive while under the influence of marijuana in Canada. Driving while high is an indictable offense that can yield hundreds of dollars in fines and up to 10 years in prison.

Roadside drug testing in Ontario involves the administration of a saliva test that analyzes the amount of THC in the driver's system. If you have 1-5 nanograms of THC in your blood, you could face a fine up to $1,000, as well as suspension of driving privileges.

However, if roadside drug testing in Ontario finds more than five nanograms, you could be convicted and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, if you don't have a dependable defence attorney on your side. So, no, you can't drive high with a medical card in Canada.


Were you caught driving while high? Avoid fines and potential prison time with the help of Windsor's Topp lawyer! Contact Daniel K. Topp today at 519-254-0500.

Author:Daniel K. Topp
About: For the better part of 20 years, my law office has been serving residents of Southwestern Ontario, including Windsor, Essex, Chatham and Sudbury by offering strong legal representation in criminal matters. Practicing criminal law has always been my passion, even from childhood. Growing up, I had a chance to watch my father, a seasoned criminal lawyer, serve the legal system. This was what inspired me to pursue a career in the same field. Over the years, I had a chance to observe, learn and receive guidance from him. After working hard at University and then Law School, I entered the legal profession at the young age of 23, and have been practising nothing but criminal law since. I have lived and breathed criminal defence law my whole life. And now with over 15 years of experience in this field, vigorously defending my clients I am in a unique position to assist you. If you need help, please contact my office today.

100 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 701,
Windsor, ON N9A 6T3

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