Some of those details are yet to be availed to the public. Additionally, they vary from one part of the nation to the next, leaving many marijuana enthusiasts and even nonsmokers in Canada confused. Read on to learn more about legalization of Marijuana in Canada.

Where can I Purchase Weed in Canada?

In certain provinces, only government stores will sell weed while in others, only private stores will sell. A few other provinces will allow both government-run stores and private shops to sell marijuana. Ontario, the most-populous province in Canada, will have privately operated outlets beginning on April 1. Until then, shoppers will acquire weed legally only online from an government-managed site called The Cannabis Store.

Marijuana enthusiasts in British Columbia will mostly purchase from a government-run site since there will be only one shop in Kamloops.  On the other hand, 12 government-operated dispensaries will be up and running in Quebec on October 17. Government-employed cannabis counselors will advise weed smokers or vapers on several things about marijuana, including which cannabis strains encourage euphoria or relaxation and potential harmful effects of using pot.  Around 51 privately run stores will be available in Saskatchewan. Government will provide online sales to supplement the 17 privately operated outlets in Alberta.

During the legalization day, buyers will have access to only fresh or dried plants, flower, seeds, and oil. The levels of THC, the compound that triggers the high, will be lower in legal weed compared to most products available on the black market. Cannabis-infused foods and extracts will be illegal until next year. Therefore, those yearning for cannabis-infused gummy bears, barbecue sauce, baked goods, and beverages will need to wait to purchase them legally. The law has not stated clearly whether cannabis cosmetics and creams will be legal.

There are several mail order marijuana websites available which currently carry most products that government does not carry such as edibles and concentrates. Weed List is currently the largest catalogue of cannabis products available to Canadians online that carries thousands of high quality products from trusted & credible distributors.

Can I Smoke Weed in Public?

At the moment, recreational weed users can only smoke or vape in their private homes, lest their landlord prohibits it. However, as soon as Bill 36 is signed into law, marijuana use will be permitted wherever cigarette smoking is allowed such as homes and a wide array of outdoor public spaces. Smoking is not allowed in workplaces, patios, public sport facilities, bars, and restaurants. Smoking in such places attracts fines of between $1,000 and $5,000. Unlike tobacco, it is illegal to use pot in moving vehicles or boats. Local authorities can enforce additional restrictions via bylaws.

Who is currently Growing Marijuana?

With legal weed sales projected to hit $1 billion towards the end of this year and predictions that over five million Canadians will purchase, a massive industry has emerged almost overnight to address the demand.  About 16 producers in Southern Ontario alone have already put in place or plan to supply medical or recreational marijuana or both to the market. Leamington-based Aphria is one of the leading pot producers in Canada.

Can I Grow My Own Weed?

In Ontario, pot users of 19 years and above are allowed to grow a maximum of four cannabis plants per home, irrespective of how many individuals live there. Ontario Cannabis Retail Corp will be the only supplier of pot seeds, but they will be available in spring when private outlets will also be permitted to sell them. Growing over four pot plants is a crime that attracts either a fine or14 years in prison.

How Much Will the Pot Cost?

The cost of weed in Canada will vary with quality and provinces. Quebec stores plan to sell many strains at about $7 or below in Canadian dollar per gram to get a competitive edge over the black market. The price will consist of a special pot excise tax to be shared between the provinces and the federal government.

Illegal drug dealer throughout the nation have already reacted by dropping their prices. For instance, some in Montreal are providing two joints at the cost of one.

What is the Legal Smoking Age?

In most provinces, the legal age for pot use will be 19 and 18 in Quebec, but its new government has promised to increase the minimum age to 21. Selling marijuana to minors is a federal crime that will attract about 14 years in prison.

What Will Happen to Medical Marijuana System?

About 330,000 Canadians are enrolled to receive medical pot that was legalized in Canada in 2001. They will continue to receive their marijuana through that system since medical weed may be a bit affordable and certain drug policies cover it. Medical users can buy more pot compared to recreational users – 150 grams against 30 grams

What Will Happen to the Black Market?

The federal government has promised to shut down the black market, but hundreds of illegal pot stores exist throughout Canada and some are working tirelessly to stay operational. For example, in British Columbia, many illegal weed dispensaries consider government licenses expensive and choose to operate without them. The bohemian Kensington market region based in Toronto is full of illegal dispensaries.  Now that the government will benefit from the sales and taxes of legal marijuana, most Canadians expect the police to put more effort in shutting down illegal pot dispensaries.

Can I Lose My Job for Using Pot in Workplace?

The cannabis law prohibits the use of weed in workplaces, but the strictness of enforcement varies from one job to another. Workers who operate heavy machinery or handle hazardous products may face rigorous or new drug tests. The army will put in place special orders for its members. Both on-duty and off-duty officers under the Calgary Police Service are not allowed to use pot.  Officers under Toronto Police Force and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police should stop using pot at least 28 days before reporting for a shift. Likewise, airline pilots encounter tough restrictions on how close to the commencement of their shifts they may use pot.

What Are the Perils of Driving While High?

If you are caught driving while high, you may face a minimum fine of $1,000 Canadian dollars. Punishments may also include a half decade in prison for circumstances that don’t lead to bodily injury or death or life sentence for cases that result in death. Roadside sobriety tests and saliva tests will come in handy when identifying high drivers. In some cases, blood tests will be performed on individuals thought to be driving while high.

What are the Border-Crossing Risks?

Carrying cannabis from one province to another as well as packing it on domestic flights is legal, but carrying it across international borders is illegal. Several U.S. states have legalized the use of recreational marijuana, but the American federal law prohibits entry of pot through the border points. Anyone caught attempting to transport pot to the U.S. risks lifetime ban.