Over the last ten years, the marijuana and CBD movement has taken the world by storm. All over the world, the stigma that has been associated with weed and its subsidiary products has slowly been dismantled. More and more people have actively started openly promoting weed, and increasing research has shown the medicinal uses that the herb has. In fact, the movement has grown so strong that countries all over the world have started lifting the ban on weed, especially for medicinal use for ordering cannabis online.
Some countries, however, have taken it a step further, and have lifted restrictions on recreational use too. Canada, South Africa, Georgia and a number of states in the USA are leading the pack in the step toward free private use of marijuana products. The turn-around in restrictions of the herb is mostly based on extensive and on-going research of the impacts on a person’s health. It has been shown that weed assists in the alleviation of some of the leading symptoms of chronic diseases and illnesses.
Canada was one of the first countries to legalize not only the use of weed for medical purposes, but for recreational too. In 2001, it lifted the ban on medical weed, only to follow it up with a groundbreaking Act in 2018 in which all use of marijunna was legalized. Canada is the first G7 and G20 country to lift these bans, and since January 2019, consumers have been allowed to purchase cannabis products online as well as in brick and mortar stores.
So, with all of this in mind, if you are looking to purchase weed online in Canada, and simply don’t know where to start, we are here to assist. We took a look at how you can go about finding your closest supplier, how to pick the right product for you and what to consider when making your choices. Due to the fact that Canada legalized recreational use, ordering cannabis online is totally legal and somewhat easy to do.
Can You Order in Your Area?
The legalization of weed in Canada has come with some restrictions. Not every province is the same with regard to their outlook on the distribution and consumption of weed. While the federal government’s Bill C-45 (the Cannabis Act) legalized cannabis in Canada in 2018, it allowed the distribution and additional restrictions to be decided by the authorities within the provinces. So, before you buy legal cannabis online, make sure to check out your local government’s rules regarding purchasing and storing cannabis.
Some provinces allow you to order cannabis online from private weed resellers websites, while other provinces make you go through a government website first. The following province has specific provincial government online stores:
- British Columbia;
- Alberta;
- Ontario;
- Quebec;
- New Brunswick;
- Nova Scotia;
- Prince Edward Island;
- Newfoundland;
- Yukon;
- Northwest Territories.
These provinces have a list of approved private retailers:
- Saskatchewan;
- Manitoba;
- Nunavut.
How Much You Can Legally Order and Possess?
The second thing that you need to be aware of is how much you can legally purchase online. Since October 2018, the government declared that citizens of the legal buying age were allowed to purchase no more than 30 grams of marijuana. This, however, only refers to the dried product that is usually smoked, If you are purchasing other products, you are allowed the following:
- 150 grams of fresh cannabis;
- 450 grams of the edible product;
- 2,100 grams of the liquid product;
- 5 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid);
- 30 cannabis plant seeds.
If you are growing your own marijuana, legislation states that you are allowed to grow up to four plants in your own home. These do, however, need to be grown from licensed seeds or seedlings. Restrictions have also been placed on how much you are allowed to possess at home in some of the provinces. This differs from province to province:
- No Limits: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island;
- 1000 grams: British Columbia;
- 150 grams: Nunavut and Quebec;
- No amount set: Saskatchewan and Yukon.
What Are the Age Restrictions and What Penalties Can You Face?
As with the limitations on amounts for purchasing and websites to go through, different provinces dictate different age limitations for ordering cannabis online. While the federal Cannabis Act allows Canadians 18 years of age and over to purchase and use cannabis, each territory can regulate certain rules and restrictions surrounding the legal age for cannabis use and consumption. The following are applicable in each state:
The legal age of 18:
- Alberta.
The legal age of 19:
- British Columbia;
- Manitoba;
- New Brunswick;
- Newfoundland and Labrador;
- Northwest Territories;
- Nova Scotia;
- Nunavut;
- Ontario;
- Prince Edward Island;
- Saskatchewan;
- Yukon.
The legal age of 21:
- Quebec.
If you are caught in possession of more of the stipulated amount in public, you can face tickets or fines of varying amounts. If you are in possession of a very large amount, you could possibly face up to five years behind bars. Underage purchasing or possession can be charged for possession and/or distribution of over 5 grams. If you are charged, you will be sentenced under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Are You Buying for Medical Purposes?
If you are buying for medical purposes, you will need to go through a different website to register to purchase weed. If you are registered with Health Canada as a medical cannabis patient, you can order your cannabis directly from licensed producers in any province of your choice. Those licensed producers can then ship directly to the registered customers in other provinces. Restrictions on amounts still apply. You can apply at the Zenabis site for your medical card to buy cannabis.
What Do You Need to Provide to the Authorities?
If you are picking up your cannabis delivery from the post-office, or having it delivered at your home, you will need to produce proof of identity and age to the delivery agent. They will need a valid and acceptable ID photo before handing the package over to you. The name and signature will also be required upon delivery for tracking purposes. If the delivery agent is made aware of illegal activity like underage purchasing or other contraband being purchased, they can refuse to deliver and alert the authorities.
Wrapping Up
The last thing to be aware of when ordering cannabis online or even in-store purchases of cannabis in Canada is what suppliers they are using to buy from. It is highly encouraged by the government to use certified outlets when making purchases. Make sure that you choose one that is well-known and that has a reputable brand when it comes to their product. You might find yourself purchasing sub-standard products should you not follow the guidelines.
