Is Marijuana Legal in Canada?

In Canada, marijuana has been legal since October 2018. Canada was the first industrialized country to legalize non-medical marijuana. Its legalization eliminated the prohibition on cannabis use. This made marijuana legal for both medical and recreational use in the country. But of course, there will be guidelines and conditions to fulfill to avoid legal troubles. 

The legalization of marijuana is among the most debated issues among countries. Though some countries and states remain opposed to marijuana legalization, many others have already opened their doors to it. This is evident as the different states in the US are slowly moving towards cannabis legalization. Cannabis laws in many US states are frequently updated, showing that the government is working to improve its marijuana guidelines.

Let us further explore Canada’s legalization of marijuana. Read on.

Marijuana for Medical Use in Canada 

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has been granted to Canada since 2001. Medical cannabis can be used in different ways, such as smoking, vaporizing, ingestion, or spraying.

To buy medical marijuana, you need a medical marijuana card. You should also be suffering from certain conditions before you can be given a recommendation. The health conditions approved for medical marijuana are:

• Chronic pain
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sleep issues/disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sleep issues/disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Migraine headaches
• Spinal injuries
• PTSD

Marijuana for Recreational Use in Canada

Canada legalized recreational marijuana in 2018. This allows adults aged 18 and older to buy and use marijuana. There is also a minimum possession amount set by the government. This prevents individuals from possessing excessive amounts of cannabis, which may then be used for illegal purposes.

Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Canada, strict guidelines are in place to ensure that marijuana is used appropriately.

Marijuana Guidelines in Canada

Just because marijuana is legal in Canada does not give you the right to go on a marijuana binge. Canada strictly regulates its cannabis laws so they will not be misused or abused. The following rules must be met are: 

• The minimum age to purchase and use marijuana is 18 years old. Provinces are allowed to increase the age requirement as they wish.
• Each household can grow up to four cannabis plants only
• The possession limit for adults is up to 30 grams of legally-produced marijuana only
• The federal government regulates production licensing
• The provincial government regulates cannabis distribution and sales

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Canada

In cases where the guidelines were not followed, penalties will be imposed.

Violation	Penalties
Possession of above 30 grams of dried cannabis	Ticket for small amounts  Up to 5 years in jail for large amounts
Possession of unlicensed pot	Up to a $5000 fine  Up to 6 months in prison
Trafficking	Ticket for small amounts  Up to 14 years jail time for large amounts
Growing cannabis above the allowed amount	Ticket for small amounts  Up to 14 years in jail for large amounts
Selling pots to minors	Ticket for small amounts  Up to 14 years jail time for large amounts
Possession of marijuana plants in public	Up to 5 years in prison
Smoking in prohibited areas	$1000 fine for 1st offense $5000 fine for 2nd offense

 

Benefits of Marijuana

Countries like Canada legalized marijuana because they wanted their residents to enjoy the benefits that it could offer. Some of the benefits you can get from cannabis are:

• Pain relief
• Muscle relaxant
• Manages nausea
• Controls weight loss
• Helps with glaucoma
• Relief from anxiety

It should be noted that marijuana use should be closely monitored by a physician to ensure that you receive the correct dose for the condition you are treating. It is best to talk to your doctor before starting with a cannabis product for guidance. 

Effects of Marijuana

The effects of marijuana vary from person to person. Some may experience tolerable effects, while others may feel a severe impact. A few of the common effects of marijuana are:

• Euphoria
• Heightened sensory perception
• Altered perception of time
• Anxiety
• Distrust
• Panic
• Hallucinations
• Delusions 

Improper marijuana consumption can frequently result in side effects. It is best to take the ideal dose to prevent unpleasant effects from it and reap the benefits that you want to get.

Who Should Avoid Using Marijuana

Though marijuana poses benefits, it is still risky for some people. You should be guided by a physician if you plan to use marijuana to make sure that it is safe for intake. The Canadian government suggested the following to avoid using marijuana: 

• Minors – the youth is more vulnerable to the effects of cannabis than adults. Using cannabis at a young age can disrupt brain development. It can also bring other mental effects such as memory loss, reduced attention span, and lack of focus.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women – cannabis can be harmful to both the mom and baby. Heavy users of cannabis could be at risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and slower growth for the baby.  
• Men with fertility problems – cannabis has been shown to reduce sperm count and sperm mobility, which can further have effects on fertility.
• People with a history of mental health problems – if you struggle with mental health problems, the risk of increasing or retaining them will increase when you take cannabis. Hallucinations, anxiety, and delusions are among the common side effects of marijuana. 
• People taking medications – cannabis can interfere with the medications you are taking and may cause side effects. 

Final Thoughts 

Marijuana is legal in Canada for both medical and recreational purposes. This has given residents easy and better access to cannabis for the purposes they need it for. Canada is one of the first countries to legalize recreational marijuana. 

While the residents are enjoying the legal status of marijuana in the country, the government is making sure that marijuana will be used mainly for its medical and beneficial uses only. Strict guidelines and rules are followed within the country. 

With marijuana legalization in Canada, the country’s cannabis industry continues to grow and progress.