Cannabis Made Clear

Holiday Guide to Legal Cannabis

From cozy nights by the fire to New Year’s gatherings, cannabis can be part of the holiday season — here’s how to consume it responsibly.

Last updated October 28, 2025 | Published on October 28, 2025

Hosting responsibly

The holidays are for joy, comfort and memorable moments — and for many adults, cannabis is part of that experience. If you are serving cannabis-infused foods or offering cannabis to guests at a gathering, a little planning helps everyone feel comfortable. Try these tips.

  • Share the potency details. As the host, clearly label all infused foods and beverages with their THC and CBD content. Guests should know exactly what they’re consuming to help them make informed choices.
  • Offer low-dose options. Provide infused foods and drinks that start at 2.5 mg THC or less. Encourage guests to pace themselves, just like they would with rich holiday dishes.
  • Create a comfortable space. Set the tone for a relaxed and welcoming environment by making sure your gathering feels safe. Create a consumption space that respects non-consumers and keeps cannabis use away from children and pets.
  • Include cannabis-free choices. Not everyone will want to partake. Offer a variety of non-infused snacks and beverages so everyone feels included and cared for.
  • Keep infused products separate from regular food and drinks. Use a dedicated table, tray or serving area, ensuring they are not accessible by kids or pets.
  • Baking homemade edibles can be festive, but consistent dosing can be tricky. If you’re unsure, opt for legal products so you can clearly communicate the dose and potency.
  • Remember, driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal. Encourage rideshares, taxis or designated drivers, and give guests the time and space to make safe travel choices.

What happens if I overconsume?

If overconsumption happens, stay calm.

  • Rest in a quiet place.
  • Keep hydrated.
  • Eat something if you can.

    And remember, most effects will pass with time.

    Seek medical help immediately if you or someone else experiences seizures, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or severe hallucinations. And if a child or pet accidentally consumes cannabis, get emergency care right away.

    Mindful consumption

    The excitement of the season can make it tempting to overindulge, but a mindful approach ensures a better experience. Here’s how to start low and go slow.

    • If consuming edibles and beverages, begin with 2.5 mg THC or less and wait at least two hours before consuming more.
    • Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances, as this can intensify impairment and lead to dizziness, nausea, anxiety or other unwanted effects.
    • If smoking, vaping or vaporizing, take one inhalation and wait 10 to 20 minutes to feel the full effect.
    • Listen to your body. If you start feeling unwell, stop consuming and take a break.
    • Stay balanced. Drink water or non-alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.

    Cannabis dried flower arranged on orange plates with a lighter and pipe on the side

    Gifting cannabis

    Cannabis can be a thoughtful gift, as long as it’s handled legally and responsibly. If you plan to gift legal cannabis to an adult consumer, follow these tips to keep it safe.

    • Gift to adults only (19+ in Ontario).
    • Stay within limits. Don’t exceed the personal possession limit of 30 g dried cannabis (or its equivalent) in public.
    • Keep it in the original packaging. This ensures the recipient gets clear dosing information and child-resistant packaging.
    • Communicate clearly. Make sure the recipient knows it is a cannabis product so they can store it safely and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
    • Add an educational touch. Include tips for safe consumption or extra product details. Check out our Cannabis Basics for information.

    Safety at home

    The holidays often bring more people into your home, which makes safe cannabis storage a priority.

    LOCK IT UP Keep cannabis in its child-resistant containers or use lockable boxes for all cannabis products.

    KEEP IT SEPARATE Store edibles and beverages away from non-infused food and drinks to prevent accidental ingestion.

    THINK ABOUT PETS Even small amounts can be toxic to animals, so keep cannabis products completely out of reach.

    ON THE GO If travelling to visit friends and family, keep cannabis in a secure container and follow local possession laws. Remember not to take cannabis, even if it’s CBD-only, across any international border, even if it’s legal at your destination.


    Impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. Research shows it can affect coordination, balance, attention, decision-making, reaction time and overall motor skills. During roadside safety checks, police may test for both alcohol and cannabis.

    Safe holiday travel

    If you’re consuming cannabis, plan ahead to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

    • Plan your sleigh ride home. Arrange a ride, cab or rideshare — never drive or bike after consuming cannabis.
    • Understand zero-tolerance rules. In Ontario, all young drivers (under 21), novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2) and commercial drivers must have no detectable THC in their system when driving.
    • Consider how long effects can last. Cannabis impairment can stick around for several hours, depending on the product, dose and your body. Even if you feel okay, you might still test positive for THC in a roadside test, so it’s best to plan ahead and avoid driving.
    • Make sure guests get home safely. If you’re hosting, help your guests plan a safe ride home. Offer support with arranging a designated driver, taxi or rideshare.

    Ontario Grown logo over top pre-rolls and cannabis growing seen from above

    Shop with impact

    Your holiday purchases can also give back to Ontario. Look for the Ontario Grown badge when shopping at Authorized Cannabis Stores — it’s your sign that the product was grown right here in the province. Here are a few reasons to shop local.

    SUPPORT ONTARIO-GROWN PRODUCTS Keep your dollars in the local economy by shopping for Ontario Grown dried flower and pre-rolls. Ask your budtender about other locally grown products.

    SEEK OUT DIVERSE PRODUCERS Ask your local retailer about any Black-, Indigenous-, person of colour-, women- or 2SLGBTQIA+- owned businesses.

    TRY MICRO OR CRAFT PRODUCERS Smaller Licensed Producers often offer unique strains and artisanal products that make great gifts!

    Two people wearing winter coats, hats and mittens walking in a snowy forest

    The holidays are a time for celebration, but they’re also a natural point to reset and reflect. As you head into the new year, consider how cannabis fits into your lifestyle and whether any adjustments could support your well-being.

    • Set intentions. Think about why you consume cannabis — whether it’s to relax, socialize or spark creativity — and let that guide your choices.
    • Track your patterns. Notice when, where and how often you consume. Sometimes just observing can help you make more mindful choices.
    • Take a tolerance break. Even a short pause, or T-break, can help reset your body’s response to THC and make future experiences more enjoyable.

       

      This guide is for general guidance and information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal or health advice. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information found in this guide, the OCS does not warrant same. The OCS shall have no liability to any person resulting from the use of this guide.

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