Alberta & Canada Cannabis Laws: Possession Cultivation, & Consumption

If you’re interested in using cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes, it’s important to know the law of the land. Whether you’re a native Albertan or a visitor, knowing the province’s cannabis laws can keep you out of trouble and help you have a good experience. 

Cannabis is legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act, but every province can set their own rules. Here, we’ll cover Alberta’s cannabis laws on possession, consumption, cultivation, and illegal activities. We’ll also take a glance at cannabis laws in every province and territory in Canada. 

For legal cannabis and cannabis products, you can go to Dank.Ca, a cannabis dispensary in Canada. There will be more information at the bottom of this page. We will now discuss the Canadian cannabis laws.

Minimum Age

Minimum age requirement: 18+

In Alberta, you must be at least 18 years of age or older to buy or consume cannabis, the same age requirement for buying alcohol and tobacco in the province. 

Consumption

Cannabis consumption at home and in some public places is allowed

Adults can consume cannabis in the privacy of their home, but not in a vehicle, whether you’re driving or not. Cities may also create additional restrictions on public use. 

Cannabis smoking or vaping is prohibited wherever smoking tobacco is restricted, plus:

• On hospital property
• On school property
• On a childcare facility property 
• In any motor vehicle except those being used as temporary homes, such as parked RVs
• In a dispensary 

Cannabis consumption is prohibited in or within a certain distance from:

• A playground
• A sports or playing field
• A skateboard or bicycle park
• A zoo
• An outdoor theatre
• An outdoor pool or splash pad

Possession and Purchasing

Possession and purchasing limit: 30 grams (or equivalent of extract, edible, or topical)

Albertans of legal age can buy cannabis from either a privately-run retail store or an online store operated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) at albertacannabis.org. 

Adults can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in a public place. When driving in a vehicle with cannabis, the cannabis must be secured in closed packaging and not within reach of any occupants.

Minors in possession of 5 grams or less of cannabis will not be charged criminally. Instead, the cannabis may be confiscated and parents or guardians may be notified. 

Home Cultivation

Home grow limit: 4 plants per household

Adults in Alberta can grow up to 4 plants per household with cannabis seeds purchased in licensed cannabis retailers. Landlords, renters, and condo boards may prohibit cannabis cultivation on the premises.

Prohibited 

No smoking in public places

Driving high is illegal

• Driving while intoxicated by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs is a serious crime. 
• Possession of 30 to 50 grams in public is punishable with a $200 fine.
• Possession of more than 50 grams in public is punishable with a $5,000 fine and 5 years in jail.
• Distribution of 50 grams or less of cannabis is punishable with a $5,000 fine and 6 months in jail.
• Distribution of 50 grams or more is punishable with a $5,000 fine and 14 years in jail.
• Distribution of cannabis to a minor is punishable with a $15,000 fine and 14 years in jail.
• Cultivation of 5 to 6 plants is punishable with a $200 fine.
• Cultivation of more than 6 plants is punishable with a $5,000 fine and 14 years in jail.

Canadian Cannabis Laws by Province and Territory

Now that we’ve covered Alberta’s cannabis laws above, let’s take a quick look at cannabis laws for each province and territory:

British Columbia

• Age: 19 or older
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed in some public places where tobacco is permitted

 Manitoba

• Age: 19 and older
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: Prohibited
• Distribution: Private licensed stores or online
• Public consumption: Prohibited

 New Brunswick 

• Age: 19 and older
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Prohibited

 Newfoundland and Labrador

• Age: 19 and older
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Private licensed stores or online
• Public consumption: Only medical cannabis patients are allowed to consume in public

 Northwest Territories

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed in certain parks where no major event is taking place and on trails or roadways when not operating a vehicle

Nova Scotia

• Age: 19 and older
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed in areas where tobacco is permitted

 Nunavut

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned online stores or by phone
• Public consumption: Allowed where the health of another person won’t be affected.

 Ontario

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Private licensed stores or a government-owned online store; medical cannabis patients can buy cannabis from a license producer online, by written order, or over the phone and delivered by mail
• Public consumption: Allowed in areas where tobacco is permitted

 Prince Edward Island

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent; no limit in a private residence
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Only allowed at home and in very limited public areas

Quebec

• Age: 21 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent; up to 150 grams or equivalent per household
• Cultivation limit: Prohibited
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed in some places where tobacco is permitted, although cities may impose additional restrictions

 Saskatchewan

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Private licensed stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed in non-restrictive campsites

 Yukon Territory

• Age: 19 and older 
• Possession limit: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent
• Cultivation limit: 4 plants per household
• Distribution: Government-owned stores or online
• Public consumption: Allowed if permitted by local regulations and doesn’t affect the health of another person 

Get Legally High

Getting high in Canada is easier than ever. If you’re still unsure about Alberta’s rules and regulations, check out the province’s website to stay in line with the local laws.

Explore Dank Cannabis’s wide selection of cannabis flower and infused products. At dank.ca, you will find the best selection of weed related items and weed itself. Anything you ever need in regards to cannabis will be on the menu of their website. Visit our online menu and explore today.