The use of Recreational Cannabis was legalized nationwide on October 17, 2018. As of that date, individuals are legally allowed to:

• Possess up to 30 grams of cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form
• Share up to 30 grams of cannabis with other adults
• Purchase dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer or online from a federally-licensed producer
• Grow cannabis from licensed seeds; each residence may grow up to 4 plants for personal use

What is 1 Gram of Cannabis Equivalent to?

One (1) gram of dried cannabis is equal to:

• 5 grams of fresh cannabis
• 15 grams of edible product
• 70 grams of liquid product
• 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
• 1 cannabis plant seed

Age Restriction

Like tobacco and alcohol products, one must be 18 or older to buy, use, possess or grow recreational cannabis.

You can be criminally charged if you distribute cannabis to a young person under 18 years of age, or if you use a youth to commit a cannabis-related offence. The maximum penalty for such offences is 14 years in jail.

There are also restrictions in place which discourage the promotion and enticement of youth cannabis use.

Where You May Smoke Cannabis

• Private residence – this includes privately owned residences and excludes long-term care and retirement homes
• Public Places – anywhere you’re allowed to smoke tobacco products
• Residential vehicles and boats – the vehicle and boat must meet the standard criteria including:
  • The vehicle or boat must have a permanent sleeping accommodation area
  • The vehicle or boat must have a kitchen or cooking area
  • The vehicle must be parked and the boat must be anchored

It is important to keep in mind that additional restrictions may be imposed, depending on Municipal bylaws, lease agreements, and employer’s policies while smoking on the job.

Prohibited Cannabis Smoking Areas

Locations where you are prohibited from smoking or vaping cannabis, include, but are not limited to:

• Indoor Areas, such as:
  • Condos
  • Apartment buildings
  • University and college residence
• Enclosed public areas, including:
  • Enclosed public places
  • Enclosed work places
• Areas where there are children present, or the property is designated for infant and child use, including:
  • Within 20 meters of any school ground or children play grounds
  • Child Centers, including daycare or places where an Early Years Program is provided
• Hospitals, and other Care Facilities
  • You cannot smoke or vape cannabis within 9 meters from the entrance or exit of any hospitals (public/private), psychiatric facilities, long-term care homes or independent health facilities
  • You cannot smoke or vape cannabis on any outdoor grounds of hospitals or psychiatric facilities
  • You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in certain non-controlled areas in long term care homes, provincially funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities and residential hospices
• Motor vehicle and Boats:
  • You cannot consume cannabis in a motor vehicle or boat that is being driven or is at the risk of being put into motion
• Outdoor Areas including:
  • within 9 meters of restaurants or bar patios
  • outdoor grounds of specific Ontario government office buildings
  • reserved seating areas at outdoor sports or entertainment locations
  • within 20 meters community recreational facilities
  • sheltered outdoor areas with a roof, like a bus shelter, for example

If you have any questions with respect to the above information, or have been charged with a cannabis related offence under the Cannabis Act, call us at Howard C. Cohen & Associates.