Federal Cannabis Act Summary: The Cannabis Act legalized adult recreational cannabis in Canada on October 17, 2018. Key federal rules: 30g in public; 4 plants per household; minimum age 18 (provinces may raise); edibles max 10mg THC/package. Provinces control retail models, additional age limits, and public use rules.
Federal Cannabis Act Overview
Key Federal Rules
- Public Possession: Up to 30g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) per adult
- Home Cultivation: Up to 4 plants per household (non-medical)
- Minimum Age: 18 federally; most provinces set 19+; Québec 21+
- Products: Dried flower, oils, edibles (max 10mg THC), topicals, extracts
- Cross-Border: Bringing cannabis in or out of Canada is illegal, including to/from U.S. legal states
Federal Excise Tax
Excise Duty
$1.00
Per gram or 10% of producer price
Province Share
75%
Of excise revenue
Federal Share
25%
Of excise revenue
Health Canada Licensing
Cultivator LicenseStandard, Micro, Nursery categories
Processor LicenseStandard and Micro processing
Seller LicenseMedical and non-medical (online)
Research LicenseScientific and analytical testing
🏠 Provinces & Territories
🤠
Alberta
🌊
British Columbia
🌾
Manitoba
🦞
New Brunswick
⚓
Newfoundland & Labrador
🌊
Nova Scotia
🏙
Ontario
🥔
Prince Edward Island
⚛️
Québec
🌾
Saskatchewan
🦜
Northwest Territories
❄️
Nunavut
🐺
Yukon
⚠️ Important Warnings
- Do not cross the Canada–U.S. border with cannabis — it is illegal in both directions.
- Driving impaired is illegal. Canada enforces blood-THC limits for impaired driving.
- Workplace policies may restrict cannabis use for safety-sensitive positions.
- Unlicensed sellers remain illegal under the Cannabis Act.
📋 Legal Disclaimer
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Always verify current regulations with provincial/territorial authorities and Health Canada. Cannbus.org assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.
📚 References
- Health Canada: canada.ca
- Cannabis Act (S.C. 2018, c. 16): laws-lois.justice.gc.ca
- CRA Cannabis Taxation: canada.ca/revenue-agency
📅 Last updated: March 2026