Recreational Regulations
Regulations concerning the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes in Nunavut have been designed in accordance with Federal regulations. However, they also feature restrictions / allowances that are specific to the Province. We have listed them below to help you understand how you can stay in accordance with Nunavut’s cannabis regulations.
Nunavut’s Regulations:
- The minimum age for recreational use of cannabis is 19 in Nunavut.
- Areas of allowed use – private residences and in public places where smoking tobacco is not already prohibited.
- Areas of controlled use – none specified.
- Areas where use is prohibited – consumption in vehicles, on school grounds, in or on hospital or health centre grounds, and playgrounds. As well as anywhere where tobacco smoking is already prohibited. However, there will be no ‘dry’ communities for cannabis like there are with alcohol in Nunavut.
- Driving restrictions are a fundamental part of Nunavut cannabis regulations. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited by law in Nunavut. 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 – Nunavut cannabis laws state that cannabis can only be purchased through the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, with current sales available only online or by phone. Physical stores expected to open some time in 2019.
- 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 is inaccessible to vehicle occupants.
- Growing restrictions – home growing of cannabis is prohibited in Nunavut.
- Workplace regulations – none specified. It is advisable to abstain from using cannabis in the workplace unless you have received approval from your workplace manager.
Nunavut Cannabis Regulations for Medical Marijuana
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 Nunavut cannabis laws pertaining to cannabis and regulations for individual municipalities in the Province. Provincial regulations will apply to all cities, towns, and elsewhere in Nunavut.
