On top of the Canadian Cannabis Laws listed in the Cannabis Act, provinces also have their own laws and regulations to help govern the productions, usage, distribution, packaging, and sales of cannabis and cannabis-related products and services within their province.
In British Columbia, the provincial government created their own Cannabis Control And Licensing Act, which is a legislative framework aimed at protecting the province’s youth and promoting safety while establishing an economically beneficial industry.
Consumption and Possession of Cannabis in British Columbia
In line with the legal drinking and tobacco purchase age in B.C., the minimum age for cannabis purchases and consumption is set at 19 years old. Anyone 19 or older is allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in public if they do not have a medical cannabis prescription. Cannabis can legally be consumed in private residences, as well as in certain public areas where the consumption of tobacco products is also allowed. This means places such as hospitals, publicly owned spaces, parks, and indoor common areas are banned. Driving under the influence of any type is illegal. If driving under the influence of cannabis, one will be placed on a 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition (ADP). When driving or transporting cannabis in British Columbia, it must be sealed in its original sealed packaging, within the legal limit amount, and out of reach of the driver and passengers.
Cultivation & Growing Cannabis Plants in British Columbia
Adults over the legal age are allowed to legally grow up to 4 plants per residence and the plants must be completely hidden from the sight of the public. Apollo assists all Canadians in obtaining and registering their ACMPR Personal Production (Grow Your Own) License with Health Canada. In order to legally grow medical cannabis in Canada, you must:
(1) be over the age of 19
(2) have no prior cannabis convictions
(3) be prescribed medical cannabis by a physician
(4) fill out and submit an application to Health Canada
British Columbia Workplaces & Cannabis
B.C. has made consuming recreational cannabis in the workplaces illegal. In the same way one should not be intoxicated from alcohol, being intoxicated by cannabis can lead to both disciplinary action and dismissal by one’s employer. If using medically with a prescription from a physician, patients need to ensure they’re not intoxicated in the workplace and that they’re able to perform their duties appropriately.