Legalization

• Can I grow cannabis plants outdoors? Open Close

  Cannabis plants are annuals, and because they are not indigenous to our region, outdoor growing is challenging. Plant them outside in mid to late spring in a private fenced-in spot with good soil and plenty of sun and space and water them regularly. Click here for more information on growing your own cannabis plants.

• What are the growing standards and regulations for legal cannabis? Open Close

  The growing conditions for legal cannabis are strictly monitored and regulated by Health Canada as set out in the federal Cannabis Act. These regulations mean regular inspections of production facilities, growing conditions and product storage.

• Where can I consume cannabis? Open Close

  Currently, you can smoke or vape your recreational and medical cannabis in your private home, in your unit or on your balcony (depending on your building rules), in many outdoor public places (like sidewalks and parks), in designated guest rooms in hotels, motels or inns, residential boats or vehicles fitted with permanent sleeping accommodations and cooking facilities when parked or anchored and meet other criteria, and in controlled areas in: long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, residential hospices, provincially-funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric facilities or veterans’ facilities. However, other laws and policies may apply to restrict cannabis use in these places, such as municipal by-laws, condo by-laws, lease agreements, and the policies of employers and property owners.

• Can I go into the United States or any other countries with my legally purchased cannabis? Open Close

  No. Never cross the border with your legally purchased cannabis. Cannabis remains an illegal drug in the U.S. and many other countries, even despite some states legalizing cannabis for non-medical and medical purposes.

• Can I give cannabis to a minor in my home? Open Close

  No. According to the Cannabis Act, even parents or guardians can face significant legal consequences for distributing cannabis to a minor, including up to a 14-year prison penalty. The rules and penalties for distributing cannabis to minors are different than those set for alcohol distribution to minors.

• What is the difference between cannabis from the OCS and cannabis from an Authorized Cannabis Store? Open Close

  The OCS provides safe, responsible access to legal recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We are Ontario’s sole wholesaler to more than 1,500 Authorized Cannabis Stores. The OCS also operates OCS.ca, the Province’s online cannabis retailer which delivers to consumers in every corner of Ontario.

  Cannabis products made available from private dispensaries and other illegal sellers are not regulated by Health Canada and are likely to be untested, meaning that the product may be unsafe for consumption. All cannabis sold by the OCS is sourced directly from producers licensed by Health Canada and must be tested and certified by Health Canada–approved labs.

• Can I bring cannabis products into Canada from the United States? Open Close

  No. If you are entering Canada from another country and you have cannabis with you in any form, you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could lead to arrest and prosecution.

• How can I grow my own plants? Open Close

  You may purchase seeds from OCS.ca and are legally permitted to grow up to four plants in your home (not per person). 

• Who regulates the production and sale of recreational cannabis? Open Close

  Through Health Canada, the Government of Canada regulates the production of cannabis, while the Government of Ontario authorizes its distribution and sale.

• What is the legal age to purchase cannabis? Open Close

  In Ontario, you must be at least 19 years of age to buy and possess cannabis.

• Can I grow cannabis at home? Open Close

  Yes. You can grow up to four plants per private residential dwelling (not per person).

• Can I travel with cannabis outside the province? Open Close

  As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal across Canada. The public possession limit of a maximum of 30 grams per individual is the same in all provinces and territories. Crossing the Canadian border with cannabis remains illegal, even after legalization. More information related to cannabis and travelling across the Canadian border can be found on the Government of Canada’s webpage here. 

• How much recreational cannabis am I allowed to purchase? Open Close

  Adults 19 years of age or older may purchase up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent in other formats, per transaction. Our online store includes a shopping bag calculator that’s visible during shopping and when confirming an order before payment. This calculator automatically converts all cannabis products into the equivalent of dried cannabis in accordance with federal legislation. While customers may select more than 30 grams in the shopping bag, selections must be narrowed down to 30 grams or less when confirming an order and purchasing products.

  It is important for customers to understand that provincial legislation restricts the maximum amount of cannabis an individual may possess in public to 30 grams. Adults 19 years of age or older in Ontario may possess over 30 grams in a private residential dwelling.

  If you choose to grow cannabis yourself, you are only permitted to possess up to four cannabis plants per private residential dwelling (not per person).

• Why can I buy only 30 grams at a time? Open Close

  Provincial legislation reaffirms the federal restriction of 30 grams as the maximum legal amount of cannabis an individual can possess in public. Adults 19 years of age or older in Ontario may possess over 30 grams in a private residential dwelling.

• What is The Cannabis Act? Open Close

  Canada’s Cannabis Act legalized the consumption, possession an purchase of up to 30 grams of cannabis for recreational use for adults 18 years of age or older. In Ontario, recreational cannabis is only available for purchase by adults 19 years of age or older and only through Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). It is still illegal to purchase cannabis from non-licensed sources.