What you need to know

In October 2018 the Cannabis Act became law, thus removing the product and its derivatives from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (previously known as the Narcotics Control Act). While it was a major change in federal legislation, the provinces and municipalities also have a say in control of the consumption of cannabis.

From now on, an adult may have in their possession up to 30 grams of dried cannabis. For the uninitiated, that’s the well-known substance for usual use. In terms of other forms – concentrated solid (hashish or wax) or concentrated liquid (cannabis oil) – possession of more than 7.5 grams constitutes a criminal offence.

What’s the law in Québec?

For instance, a person caught in the process of consuming cannabis in an outdoor playground intended for children, such as a skateboard park, runs the risk of being fined $500 for a first offense. Article 16 of Quebec’s Cannabis Regulation Act lists several places where use is forbidden. Terraces and decks, cycling paths, ice skating rinks and soccer and baseball fields are some examples.

The law is much more restrictive for minors. They risk a fine if they have more than five grams of cannabis. If they have more than five grams in their possession, criminal charges await them. The Québec government is working on a law to raise the legal age to 21 years. For now, this aspect of the law in not in effect.

What about Mont-Tremblant?

The Ville de Mont-Tremblant has passed a municipal bylaw regulating the use of cannabis on its territory. As with alcohol, consumption of cannabis is prohibited in any public space, under penalty of a minimum fine of $100.

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