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Cannabidiol (CBD) and other hemp-derived products have seen drastic changes in legality across the world in recent years, but few countries have seen such efficient legislation as Canada. It is clear that Canada’s CBD market is booming, as hemp manufacturers in the country are thriving like they never have before. We also know that laws pertaining to cannabidiol can get complicated since these changes in law are so new, and many are still being refined.
This guide is meant for Canadian residents and American tourists to have a complete understanding of where they stand with their CBD usage.
Is CBD Legal Under Canadian Federal Law?
Canada’s federal government legalized cannabis in 2018, so both hemp and marijuana have been legal throughout the country since this law passed. What this means is that it is clear that CBD is fully legal throughout the country. However, Canada’s cannabis laws go a bit further than most around the world.
The cannabis industry as a whole is booming throughout the country, largely because the country regulates it far more than most other countries that have legalized the plant. In order for a Canadian hemp company to exist, they must adhere to these strict regulations which involve sending an application to sell their product. For the application to be accepted, an authoritative body that is overseen by the government analyzes the product rigorously to ensure that it’s genuine, safe and made with high quality standards. Once this process is complete, a company is free to sell their products.
For this reason, within Canada you really cannot find CBD produced outside of the country. Some Canadians wonder why it is so hard to find American hemp brands. Well, American-based companies would have to undergo the same application process as Canadian companies. And, this process is expensive and time-consuming, so most companies simply do not feel that it’s worth it.
Now, because the cannabis industry is heavily regulated there, residents of this country can enjoy a market in which they can count on high-quality and safety with all of the products that they buy.
CBD Laws by Province/Territory
Cannabis is legal under Canadian federal law, and all provinces and territories permit its use among residents. But, within each province or territory are more specific laws pertaining to how CBD can be purchased and sold, as each region has the right under federal law to adjust legislation as they see fit.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, you must be 19 or older to purchase CBD products. Hemp can be grown for personal use anywhere in which it is not publicly visible. There is a possession limit of 1,000 grams of hemp no matter if you live in places like Victoria or Vancouver, and CBD flower can be smoked anywhere in which tobacco can be smoked. Online sales are regulated by the government.
Alberta
In Calgary, Edmonton, and all other areas of this province, you must be 18 or older to purchase CBD, which is the lowest age limit throughout the country. Residents can legally grow cannabis for personal use, and there is no possession limit for cannabis grown at home or purchased commercially. Online sales of cannabis there are regulated by the government rather than by private companies. CBD products can be smoked or vaporized anywhere that smoking is allowed.
Saskatchewan
You must be 19 or older to legally purchase CBD, and there is no possession limit. You can legally grow hemp on your property, but you cannot smoke or vape hemp in a public space. The online CBD marketplace is managed and regulated by private companies.
Manitoba
Yes, this province permits sales of CBD to those 19 or older. Hemp can only be grown in there if a person has a medical prescription such as if they live in Winnipeg. It cannot be smoked in public spaces. Online sales are regulated by private companies without any government oversight.
Ontario
This province permits sales of CBD products to those 19 or older. In Ontario, there are no possession limits, and residents can grow their own hemp. You can smoke or vaporize hemp anywhere that tobacco use is allowed, except for vehicles. The government regulates online sales of hemp products. Toronto has a particularly booming hemp industry, largely thanks to these relatively liberal hemp laws.
Quebec
Did you know that Quebec has the highest age limit? The law specifically states that you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase hemp products. In fact, you are not permitted to grow your own hemp, and there is a possession limit of 150 grams. You cannot even smoke or vape CBD in public, and the online CBD market is government-managed. This means that cities like Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, and others in this province observe the strictest hemp laws of all.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can purchase CBD as long as you are at least 19 years of age. You can also freely grow hemp on your private property, and there is no possession limit for either commercial or homegrown hemp. The government regulates online sales of cannabidiol and other hemp products. It is forbidden to smoke or vape CBD products in public spaces.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick also permits sales of CBD products to those aged 19 or above. People are free to grow their own hemp as they so choose, with no restrictions on how they grow it. CBD possession laws do not exist in New Brunswick, and online sales are regulated by the government. Further, CBD cannot be vaped or smoked in public spaces.
Nova Scotia
The age limit to purchase CBD there is 19 years old. There is no possession limit in the province, and growing your own hemp is legal. CBD can be smoked or vaporized anywhere that smoking tobacco is legal, like in Halifax. Online hemp market is regulated by the government.
Prince Edward Island
Yet another province in which you must be 19 or older to purchase hemp. There are no possession laws, and residents are free to grow hemp on their properties. The government regulates online sales, and you are forbidden from smoking or vaping CBD products in public.
Yukon
Yukon permits sales of CBD to those 19 or older, with no limits on possession. Growing your own is legal in Yukon, and the online marketplace is managed by the government. You cannot smoke or vape hemp in a public space.
Northwest Territories
In this region, you can legally purchase CBD as long as you are at least 19 years of age. Growing your own is legal, and there is no overall possession limit when it comes to hemp. CBD can be smoked or vaporized in areas in which smoking tobacco is legal, and the online CBD market is managed by the government rather than private companies.
Nunavut
CBD is legal for anyone 19 or older. This territory permits residents to grow their own hemp, and the possession limit is 150 grams. CBD products can be smoked or vaped anywhere in which tobacco smoking is legal, but it is forbidden to smoke or vape CBD in a vehicle. The government manages online sales of hemp products.
The Maple Country Truly Does Like CBD
Overall, CBD laws are quite liberal throughout Canada, with only minor restrictions in certain regions due to their independent governance. Keep in mind that all of these laws may evolve over time, as the hemp industry there compared to the United States remains fairly new. Just always check back with your local government to ensure that you are using hemp in a way that is compliant with the law, in order not to potentially pay penalties or risk serving jail time.
Check out this awesome guide to Canadian hemp laws that will increase awareness as to what can and cannot be done by CBD enthusiasts once they are in the country.
