Cannabis law in Canada (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Cannabis is legal for adults in Canada under the federal Cannabis Act, which sets the national framework, including a public possession limit of 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) and a limit of four plants per dwelling-house. The provinces and territories set the minimum age, where cannabis may be used, whether home growing is allowed, and the retail model. Taking cannabis into or out of Canada is prohibited without a Health Canada authorisation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Adults may possess up to 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place. Young persons may possess no more than 5 g. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Taking cannabis across the Canadian border, in either direction, is prohibited without authorisation (Cannabis Act s 11). The Canada Border Services Agency states this applies whatever the amount and even with a medical document.
- The four-plant limit per dwelling-house is the federal ceiling; provinces and territories may add conditions or prohibit home growing (Quebec does). See each province or territory file.
Sources
- Department of Justice Canada: Cannabis Act (S.C. 2018, c. 16) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Health Canada: Cannabis for medical purposes under the Cannabis Act: information and improvements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
Canada: rules by state or province
| Province or territory | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Legal within limits (18+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Private licensed stores | Not in listed places or vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| British Columbia | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Government and private licensed stores | Not in listed places or vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Manitoba | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants (since 1 May 2025) | Private licensed stores | Not in public places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Brunswick | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants, locked | Cannabis NB stores and approved retailers | Not in public places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants, in the dwelling | Private licensed stores and NL Liquor Corporation | Not in public places or vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per household | Government commission (NTLCC) | Private property (tobacco allowed), trails, parks | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nova Scotia | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per household | NSLC only (government) | Smoke-free Places Act applies; not in vehicles | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nunavut | Legal within limits (19+) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private licensed stores | Not near listed places or public events | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ontario | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Private licensed stores | Many outdoor places; not near schools etc. | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Prince Edward Island | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per house | Government cannabis stores | Not in public places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Quebec | Legal within limits (21+) | No | SQDC only (government) | No smoking or vaping in public spaces | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per household | Private licensed stores | Not in public places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Yukon | Legal within limits (19+) | Yes, up to 4 plants at the dwelling | Private licensed stores | Only at a dwelling-house or prescribed places | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.