What’s Legal? A 2025 Guide to Cannabis Laws Across Canadian Provinces

Cannabis has been legal in Canada since October 17, 2018, but even after years of legal sales, many Canadians still find themselves wondering: “Can I smoke here?” or “Am I allowed to grow at home?” That’s because while cannabis is federally legal, the actual rules — where, how, and how much you can possess — vary significantly across each province and territory.

As we step deeper into 2025, it’s more important than ever to understand the differences in cannabis laws across Canada, especially if you’re moving, traveling, or shopping online. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, in plain language, about legal weed from coast to coast.

Whether you’re a first-time user or a daily toker, this is your go-to resource for navigating cannabis law in every part of the country.

Federal Law vs. Provincial Rules: What’s the Difference?

Under the Cannabis Act, the federal government legalized recreational cannabis across Canada. But provinces and territories have the power to regulate certain aspects of how it’s sold and consumed.

Here’s what federal law guarantees:

• Adults 18+ (though provinces can raise the age)
• Possession of up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public
• Legal home cultivation of up to four plants per household (with exceptions)
• Strict rules on packaging, advertising, and product labeling
• Medical cannabis access through Health Canada

But here’s where it gets complex: each province or territory sets its own rules about:

• Minimum age (18, 19, or 21)
• Retail model (public, private, or hybrid)
• Where you can smoke
• Home growing permission
• Cannabis delivery rules

This guide breaks it all down by region, and helps you stay compliant, safe, and smart.

Cannabis Laws by Province and Territory (2025 Overview)

Ontario

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Private stores + Online via Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)
• Public use: Allowed anywhere tobacco is permitted
• Home growing: Yes, up to 4 plants
• Delivery: Legal; private retailers can deliver

Ontario has one of the most open markets in Canada, with hundreds of storefronts and a fast-growing delivery ecosystem. That said, laws around smoking in public parks or near schools are strictly enforced.

British Columbia

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Hybrid (government + private)
• Public use: Allowed in some public places, banned in parks and beaches
• Home growing: Yes, but not visible from public areas
• Delivery: Legal and popular

BC’s cannabis culture is deeply rooted, and the laws reflect a balance between freedom and control. Cities like Vancouver are hubs for cannabis businesses and events.

Alberta

• Minimum age: 18
• Retail model: Fully privatized
• Public use: Permitted in public spaces unless restricted by local bylaws
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Legal

Alberta has one of the most competitive and free cannabis markets in Canada. The province has over 800 stores and was early to adopt a wide retail rollout.

Quebec

• Minimum age: 21
• Retail model: Government-run (Société québécoise du cannabis – SQDC)
• Public use: Highly restricted
• Home growing: Banned
• Delivery: Available through SQDC

Quebec has some of the strictest cannabis laws in Canada. The province’s refusal to allow home cultivation is currently supported by the courts.

Manitoba

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Private
• Public use: Prohibited in public spaces
• Home growing: Banned
• Delivery: Allowed through licensed retailers

Manitoba also bans home cultivation, making it one of the few provinces to limit personal cannabis freedoms beyond the federal guidelines.

Saskatchewan

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Private
• Public use: Limited; smoking in public is discouraged
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Permitted

Though retail stores are still expanding in rural regions, Saskatchewan offers a relatively relaxed framework with growing access to delivery.

Nova Scotia

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Government (NSLC – Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation)
• Public use: Restricted to private property
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Limited

Nova Scotia’s cannabis is tightly regulated but consistent. Most people purchase directly through the NSLC, either in-store or online.

New Brunswick

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Government
• Public use: Restricted
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Available through Cannabis NB

The province has experimented with privatization, but Cannabis NB still controls all cannabis retail and distribution as of 2025.

Prince Edward Island

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Government
• Public use: Not allowed in public spaces
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Available

PEI has a small but consistent market. Most consumers shop online through the province’s government-run store.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Private with provincial oversight
• Public use: Limited to private residences
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Legal

The province allows a hybrid approach and encourages private enterprise, with well-stocked local stores in urban centers.

Yukon

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Hybrid (private + government)
• Public use: Allowed in some public spaces
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Available through licensed shops

Yukon offers more flexibility in delivery and retail than some provinces, making it a progressive territory for cannabis access.

Northwest Territories

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Government
• Public use: Permitted where tobacco is allowed
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Limited, mostly in major towns

Retail availability is still developing in remote communities, but online ordering is supported where available.

Nunavut

• Minimum age: 19
• Retail model: Online-only (licensed vendors)
• Public use: Prohibited
• Home growing: Yes
• Delivery: Via online only

Due to its geography, cannabis access in Nunavut is limited to licensed online sales. Orders are shipped discreetly but may take longer due to location.

How Cannabis Laws Affect Online Purchases

If you’re shopping online, especially through mail order marijuana (MOM) services like Greenland Botanicals, it’s crucial to understand what your province allows.

Here are a few common questions:

• Can you legally receive cannabis in the mail? Yes, across all of Canada.
• Can you grow weed at home? Depends on your province.
• Can you use weed in public? Usually no. Stick to private property.

Greenland Botanicals follows Canada-wide shipping standards and provides discreet, fast delivery while remaining compliant with individual provincial limits. They also feature categories like Indica, Hybrid, and Edibles to help you shop within your local rules.

The Future of Cannabis Law in Canada

In 2025, Canada’s cannabis industry continues to evolve. Provinces are experimenting with:

• Cannabis lounges and consumption spaces
• Home delivery via private courier
• Increased THC caps for edibles
• Retail expansion into underserved communities
• Decriminalization of other plant-based medicines like psilocybin

There are also ongoing legal challenges, especially in Quebec and Manitoba, around home cultivation bans. As public attitudes continue to shift, expect more provinces to expand freedoms and access.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is cannabis legal in all of Canada?
Yes, cannabis is federally legal. But each province controls how it’s sold, consumed, and grown.

2. Can I smoke weed in public in Canada?
It depends. Some provinces allow public use where tobacco is allowed. Others strictly ban it. Always check local bylaws.

3. Can I order weed online in any province?
Yes, but only from licensed vendors. Sites like Greenland Botanicals serve all of Canada discreetly.

4. Can I grow weed at home?
Most provinces allow up to 4 plants per household, but Quebec and Manitoba currently ban home growing.

5. Is there a national source for legal cannabis information?
Yes, visit Canada.ca’s Cannabis Portal for federal updates and links to provincial regulators.

Final Word

Canada’s cannabis laws might seem complicated, but with a little understanding of your province’s rules, you can enjoy legal weed safely and confidently. Whether you’re ordering online from MOMs like Greenland Botanicals, visiting a local store, or growing at home — the law is on your side if you know where to look.

Stay informed, stay legal, and enjoy the freedom cannabis offers in 2025 and beyond.