Recreational Regulations
Regulations concerning the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes in Newfoundland and Labrador have been designed in accordance with Federal regulations. However, they also feature restrictions / allowances that are specific to the Province. Here they are in point form to allow you to have a strong understanding of Newfoundland marijuana regulations and how you can enjoy cannabis in accordance with Newfoundland marijuana laws.
Regulations:
- The minimum age for recreational use of cannabis is 19 in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Areas of allowed use – private residences, hotel rooms or similar private rental accommodations, rented campsites when site regulations allow it, residence vehicles that are not in operation.
- Areas of controlled use – none specified.
- Areas where use is prohibited – streets and sidewalks, parks and beaches (including those in provincial parks), school grounds, restaurant patios and decks, health care facility grounds, plus any location that has their own specified regulations. Use in vehicles is also prohibited.
- Driving restrictions are a fundamental part of Newfoundland marijuana regulations – driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited by law in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, drivers under the age of 22, commercial drivers, and novice drivers are not permitted to have ANY detectable presence of cannabis in their bodies at all. Failure to abide by this legislation can result in any or all of the following repercussions.
- Immediate license suspension
- Financial penalties
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Possibility of criminal record
- Possibility of jail time
- Place of purchase restrictions – residents will be able to purchase cannabis online in Newfoundland from the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation. Store retailers are currently in the process of being approved for retail sales. No cohabitation between displayed products and alcohol is permitted.
- Possession restrictions – individuals aged 19 and up are legally allowed to have a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis in their possession in public at any time.
- Transportation restrictions – product transported in a motor vehicle must be sealed in original packaging or located so that it remains inaccessible to vehicle occupants.
- Growing restrictions – individuals aged 19 and up are allowed to grow up to 4 plants per dwelling, not per person. Cannabis can only be grown indoors at a dwelling house in which the person resides, or in an adjacent building on the property like a shed. Outdoor growing of cannabis is not permitted in Newfoundland & Labrador.
- Workplace regulations – consuming recreational cannabis in the workplace is illegal in Newfoundland and Labrador, unless otherwise explicitly specified by the ownership or management.
Newfoundland Marijuana Regulations: Medical
In compliance with the Cannabis Act of October, 2018 individuals who have received authorization from the regulatory body of the Canadian Province where they reside may purchase, possess, and consume medical cannabis without personal storage limits in the home, and public possession limits as follows; the lesser of 150 grams or a 30-day supply of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in cannabis product) in addition to the 30 grams allowed for non-medical purposes. Individuals must be able to provide documentation of their medical marijuana authorization if in public possession of cannabis.
Municipal Variances: Recreational & Medicinal
There are no variances between the Province and its Newfoundland marijuana laws pertaining to cannabis and regulations for individual municipalities in the Province. Provincial regulations will apply to all cities, towns, and elsewhere in Newfoundland and Labrador.
