Recreational Regulations
Regulations concerning the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes in Quebec 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 Quebec weed regulations and how you can enjoy it in accordance with Quebec cannabis laws.
Quebec Regulations:
- The minimum age for recreational use of cannabis is 18 in Quebec.
- Areas of allowed use – private residences only, unless public locations specify it being allowed.
- Areas of controlled use – none specified.
- Areas where use is prohibited – any location where tobacco smoking is already prohibited, plus on the grounds of health and social service institutions, on the grounds of Cegeps and Universities, on bicycle paths, and in bus shelters and shared transportation wait areas. Common areas of residential buildings comprising two or more dwellings. Other municipal restrictions may apply.
- Driving restrictions are a fundamental part of Quebec weed regulations – driving while under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited by law in Quebec. 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 – Quebec cannabis laws dictate that SQDC (Quebec cannabis corporation) is to be the only authorized retailer of cannabis in the Province. No person under the age of 18 may be admitted to a cannabis retail outlet, and it is prohibited to sell more than the equivalent of 30 grams of dried cannabis to any one buyer in one visit. Only dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, and cannabis oil may be sold in these outlets. Online sales are only through the SQDC’s website. There are 15 brick and mortar stores, with plans for more than 150 within 2 years.
- Legal possession restrictions – individuals aged 18 and up are legally allowed to have a maximum of 30 grams of dried cannabis in their possession in public at any time. Individuals aged 18 and up are allowed to possess up to 150 grams in a private residence.
- Legal transportation restrictions – marijuana in a vehicle must be in a closed, sealed package and placed in a space in the vehicle that is inaccessible to others.
- Legal growing restrictions – home growing of cannabis is prohibited in the Province of Quebec.
- Workplace regulations – as per Quebec cannabis laws – ‘An employer in Quebec may, pursuant to the employer’s managerial prerogative, regulate or prohibit the use of cannabis in that workplace’.
Quebec Weed 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 Quebec weed laws pertaining to cannabis and regulations for individual municipalities in the Province. Provincial regulations will apply to all cities, towns, and elsewhere in Quebec.
