Is it legal to smoke weed in public in Canada?
Is public cannabis use legal in Canada?
At this point, it’s nothing new that a few years ago, Canada became the second country to legalize recreational cannabis. Since Canada’s progressive move was announced, people around the world and Canadians have wondered what the nation’s cannabis regulations will look like. After a series of debates, a joint collaboration between Justice Canada, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada helped finalize federal cannabis laws and regulations. While the most famous marijuana-friendly provinces passed identical measures, each was allowed to propose its own legislative changes.
Because of this permission, laws sometimes vary between provinces. Some of the more common laws that change slightly include the legal drinking age and home growing. Nonetheless, the public use of cannabis is one aspect of legalization that is the most debated. This is how the 20 Canadian provinces control public marijuana use.
PUBLIC MARIJUANA USE LAWS BY PROVINCE
Canada’s attitude towards public cannabis use varies from province to province. Here is a brief summary of some of the country’s very popular areas. Most importantly, note that cannabis laws in Canada are not universal and territories may enact their own additional restrictions on cannabis use in public.
alberta
According to Alberta’s cannabis structure, residents can enjoy marijuana in their homes and public use is treated similarly to tobacco. Despite this, smoking is banned in vehicles and a few additional bans than just tobacco.
Public vaping or smoking of marijuana is prohibited in places where tobacco is also available, such as on school campuses, hospitals or child care facilities, sports or playing fields, or in motor vehicles, except for those that are temporarily occupied (such as a mobile home) . Marijuana may not be consumed in any of its outlets.
BRITISH COLOMBIA
Public consumption laws in British Columbia are also the same as for vaping or smoking tobacco. If you are not allowed to take tobacco with you in a place, the same applies to weed. Some public places where it is prohibited include parks and playgrounds. And some meeting places especially for children. Also, according to BC regulations legalizing marijuana, visitors are allowed to smoke marijuana in hotel rooms.
ONTARIO
Ontario originally planned to keep marijuana use indoors. But when legalization came to Canada in mid-October, Ontario changed course and opted to treat marijuana use like smoking cigarettes. Ontario’s marijuana laws permit outdoor use in public adult spaces such as parks, hotels, and health care facilities. Smoking is prohibited in closed public spaces, child care centers and hospitals.
MANITOBE
In Manitoba, laws on public marijuana use are quite restrictive; It comes with a $2,500 fine for growing at home. In addition to banning its use on public lands, the province has banned the use of weeds in most areas. Current regulations essentially limit consumption to households, which some find a shame given that some of Manitoba’s most spectacular parks are just begging for a stoned stroll through the woods. The Manitoba Progressive Conservative government has made it clear that it intends to also ban the public consumption of edibles, although the current regulations only cover smoking and vaping.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Cannabis laws in New Brunswick restrict consumption to indoor use only. In addition, the homeowner decides whether or not cannabis can be consumed on their property. This means that landlords can prohibit tenants from using their property. In the province, it is recommended that rental contracts should contain rules for the use of cannabis from now on. The ban on consumption also includes vehicles, whether roadworthy or not.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Recreational use of cannabis in public is illegal in Newfoundland and Labrador, unlike vaping and smoking a cigarette. Consumption is limited to private homes and their adjacent lawns. However, patients are allowed to use medicinal cannabis in public, as permitted under previous laws.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s Smoke-free Places Act treats the use of cannabis in public places the same way as cigarettes. Smoking in any form, including cannabis, is prohibited in all drink bars, cabarets and restaurants in the province. The law covers hookahs and e-cigarettes in addition to cigarettes and marijuana. The maximum fine for violating the law is $2,000, the same amount as for drinking while driving.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
This is another province that restricts consumption to your home. Regulations in this province state that persons over the age of 19 may use marijuana in an apartment, hotel, home or campground. In addition, the owner of a property is permitted to prohibit smoking in his apartment building, but to provide a space for smoking outside.
QUEBEC
Quebec laws have been described as complex and potentially subject to change. Currently, legislation treats cannabis in a similar way to cigarettes, with a few additional locations prohibited. Changes in local regulations are also likely to confuse consumers in the province. Some cities have gone a step further and banned smoking in all public areas. Others, like Montreal, have chosen to abide by provincial legislation.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan law restricts recreational use to private residences and underscores public health concerns. Marijuana use is permitted while camping, but campers should be aware that the campsite minister has the final say. They have the final say on whether consumption is allowed on their property, much like landlords.
FINAL EFFECT
Cannabis laws are changing rapidly as Canadian provinces refine guidelines. At the local and state levels, regulations could change later in the year or shortly thereafter. Due to popular demand, information gleaned from data, and other facts, some laws are likely to be changed. Local regulations may also change due to tourist demand. Regardless of the situation, there is a good chance that the applicable laws will change somehow. At the very least, we’re aware that concentrates and edibles will be arriving shortly, and that another public consumption rulebook will follow.
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