As of October 17, 2018 adults will be able to possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or its equivalent form in public, nationwide. Adults can also share up to 30 grams with other adults. Adults will also be able to grow from licensed seed or seedlings, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use (not per person). Adults will be able to make cannabis products such as food and drinks at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated plants. Under the Cannabis Act, possession of over 30 grams of cannabis is a hybrid offence and punishable to a term of imprisonment up to 5 years less a day if the Crown is electing by indictment or if by summary conviction then a punishment of a fine not more than $5000.00 or imprisonment to a term not more than 6 months or to both. While the legal age for Cannabis is 18 nationwide, each province will be regulating their own age limits.
In Ontario, like Alcohol, you have to be 19 years or older to buy, use possess and grow recreational cannabis. Be forewarned that driving or boating under the influence of Cannabis, just like alcohol, is a criminal offence and falls under impaired driving. While you may think you have a tolerance to cannabis, don’t fool yourself into thinking you are not impaired in some way and can drive a car – take a taxi or an uber. Many Canadians have reported that they have driven high or under the influence of marijuana – expect to have impaired driving by marijuana more readily enforced once the new laws kick in on October 17th. If you have any questions about the new laws surrounding Cannabis in Brampton, Toronto or elsewhere, please contact Baratz Law, drug lawyer for a free consultation at 416-937-3777 or email at avi@baratzlaw.com.
