A Guide to Canadian Cannabis

It has been a little over three months since our neighbors up north legalized our favorite plant for recreational use. If you have been to one of our 2020 Solutions locations in Bellingham, or any other Washington State cannabis retailer, then there shouldn’t be too many surprises should you cross the border. Regardless, this short guide will prepare you to purchase and consume cannabis safely and responsibly in Canada.

Canada may have legalized cannabis nationally, but the government left many decisions up to the ten individual provinces and territories. Each province decides things such as where stores may be located, how the products can be sold, and how the stores operate. Because of this, the first thing we suggest is to check the laws for the province or territory you plan to visit.

Some of the provinces, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, elected to let private licensed businesses take care of cannabis sales, much like Washington State. In other parts of the country, such as British Columbia and Ontario, all recreational cannabis stores are operated by the Canadian government. As a result, your retail experience could drastically change if you travel to different parts of the country. Consistent with the pre-existing alcohol laws, the minimum age to purchase and consume cannabis in Canada is 18 years old. However, only Quebec and Alberta kept this minimum age, while the rest of the country bumped it up to 19.

Unlike Washington, Canada also allows online sales and delivery of legal cannabis products. Just like the physical retail locations, the rules for ordering product online vary throughout the country. British Columbia regulates their online sales through the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), who then employs third-party delivery services. Saskatchewan, on the other hand, enlists private retailers to take charge of online sales. It is completely up to the individual private retailer if they want to offer online sales, but if they do, the retailer is required to have an active physical storefront. If you have somewhere to stay while you visit Canada, perhaps give online ordering a try!

Consumption laws vary throughout the country, so be extra careful before you light up to avoid a $600+ fine. British Columbia, for example, allows public use almost everywhere, but limits areas with children, inside cars, and wherever tobacco is restricted. On the other hand, Saskatchewan limits it to private residences only, which is technically how Washington State is. Canada also has forward thinking laws when it comes to traveling and flying with cannabis. Travelers are allowed to pack up to 30 grams, as long as they stay within the country. As a reminder, it is still illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border, whether you are entering or leaving the country.

At the time of writing this article, consumers can purchase and possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or its equivalent in non-dried form. Unfortunately, concentrates and edibles are not projected to be legal for sale until October 2019, but cooking your

own edibles is permitted. If you are planning on crossing over via the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden or Sumas crossing then check out the link below for a list of recreational shops in British Columbia.

Recreational Cannabis Stores in British Columbia

If you have any questions pertaining to marijuana use, contact us now!

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Bellingham Area Locations: 2018 Iron Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Open: Mon-Sat 8am-11:45pm, Sun 9am-10pm 5655 Guide Meridian Bellingham, WA 98226 Open: Mon-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 9am-10pm 4770 Pacific Highway Bellingham, WA 98226 Open: Mon-Sat 8am-10:00pm, Sun 9am-9pm Phone: (360) 734-2020 Ephrata: 1615 SW Basin Ephrata, WA 98823 Open: Mon-Thurs 8am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 9am-8pm Phone: (877) 934-2020