Recreational Regulations
Regulations concerning the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes in the Northwest Territories have been designed in accordance with Federal regulations. However, they also feature restrictions / allowances that are specific to the Province. The regulations are listed below in point form to allow you to have a strong understanding of Northwest Territories marijuana regulations and how you can enjoy cannabis in accordance with them.
Northwest Territories Regulations:
- The minimum age for recreational use of cannabis is 19 in the Northwest Territories.
- Areas of allowed use – private residences only at this time.
- Areas of controlled use – none specified.
- Where use is prohibited – public consumption is prohibited in the NWT in areas frequented by children or crowds, in vehicles, and anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited.
- Driving restrictions are a fundamental part of Northwest Territories marijuana regulations – driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited by law in the Northwest Territories. 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 – Northwest Territories marijuana laws make it so that cannabis can be obtained only at NWT Liquor Stores. The NWT Liquor & Cannabis Commission’s website is currently the only legal option for purchasing cannabis online in the Northwest Territories.
- 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 – marijuana in a vehicle must be unopened, and any opened package must be resealed and placed in a space in the vehicle that is inaccessible to others.
- Growing restrictions – individuals aged 19 and up are legally able to grow up to four plants per household, not per person.
- Workplace regulations – none specified. Abstaining from using cannabis in the workplace is highly advisable unless you discuss it specifically with your workplace manager.
Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories marijuana laws pertaining to cannabis and regulations for individual municipalities in the Province. Provincial regulations will apply to all cities, towns, and elsewhere in the Northwest Territories.
