Cannabis in Canada: the key facts
The essential numbers, at a glance and source-checked. Free to cite, a link back to LeafNorth is appreciated. For sales and usage data, see cannabis in Canada by the numbers.
2018 Legal nationwide since October
18 to 21 Legal age (varies by province)
30 g Public possession limit
4 Plants per home (where allowed)
10 mg THC cap per edible package
13 Provinces & territories
Legal age by province
Cannabis is federally legal for adults, but each province sets the minimum age.
18+
19+
21+
Possession equivalency
The 30 g public limit is measured in "dried equivalent." Each of these equals 1 g of dried cannabis:
| Dried cannabis | 1 g |
| Fresh cannabis | 5 g |
| Edible product | 15 g |
| Liquid product | 70 g |
| Concentrates | 0.25 g |
| Cannabis plant seed | 1 seed |
Try it with your own products in the possession calculator.
Key dates
- 1923, Cannabis added to Canada's list of prohibited substances.
- 2001, Federal medical-cannabis framework introduced.
- October 2018, The Cannabis Act legalizes adult use nationwide.
- 2019, "Cannabis 2.0": edibles, extracts, and topicals join the legal market.
Need the rules where you live?
Legal age, retail, and home-growing all change by province.