Cannabis law in Northwest Territories (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The Northwest Territories sets the minimum age at 19 and a public possession limit of 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent). Adults may grow up to four plants per household, and cannabis is sold by the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Use is limited to private property where tobacco smoking is allowed, trails and roadways when not operating a vehicle, and parks not used for a public event. Drivers under 22 and learner or probationary drivers can be suspended for any amount of prohibited drugs.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Minimum age 19. Up to 30 g of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place. [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] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Restricted in some places [1] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 19 years [1] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Drivers under 22, learner or probationary licence holders and some commercial drivers can have their licence suspended for any amount of prohibited drugs. Any driver can be suspended for failing or refusing a field sobriety test or drug recognition evaluation. [1] |
Notes
- Plants may be grown indoors or in a yard on private property; seeds must come from a legal supplier; tenancy agreements and condominium bylaws may restrict growing.
- Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited in locations frequented by children, such as playgrounds, school grounds, sports fields and outdoor events. Community governments may add bylaws on public consumption.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories (Executive and Indigenous Affairs): Cannabis in the NWT (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in Canada and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for Canada
| Possession for personal use | Permitted within limits (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
|---|---|
| Quantity limits | 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. (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Growing at home | Permitted within limits (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Sale to consumers | Licensed retail stores for adults (source: Department of Justice Canada) |
| Medical cannabis | Legal for medical use (source: Health Canada) |
Northwest Territories and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Alberta | Legal within limits (18+) | Yes, up to 4 plants per home | Private licensed stores | Not in listed places or vehicles | — | ⚠ 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 |
| Nunavut | Legal within limits (19+) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private licensed stores | Not near listed places or public events | — | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Northwest Territories
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: No minimum (12 advised)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.20 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (24-hour suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (novice, under 22)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.