Cannabis law in Nova Scotia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nova Scotia 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 the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is the only authorised retailer. Combustible cannabis is subject to the Smoke-free Places Act in public places and cannabis may not be used in vehicles. Drivers suspected of cannabis use face roadside suspensions from 7 days, with zero tolerance for drivers in the graduated licence programme.
| 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 public; no limit at home for personal use. [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 | If police suspect cannabis use but cannot lay a criminal charge, the licence is suspended for 7 days (15 and 30 days for repeat incidents); there is zero tolerance for drivers in the graduated licence programme. A criminal charge brings a 90-day suspension, and a first conviction a fine of at least $1,000 and a one-year suspension. [2] |
Notes
- Each apartment in a house or building is a separate household. Municipal bylaws may restrict cultivation further.
- Use of combustible cannabis in public places falls under the Smoke-free Places Act (fines up to $2,000). Cannabis cannot be used in any form in vehicles by passengers or drivers. Municipalities may add bylaws.
Sources
- Government of Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Cannabis Laws (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Province of Nova Scotia: Cannabis: impaired driving (consulted 10 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) |
Nova Scotia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
More rules in Nova Scotia
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h (no sign) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h (no sign)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a licensed supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules apply · Minimum age: 14 from 19 Oct 2026
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.00 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.