Buying Weed In 2023

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The days of traveling to Amsterdam to buy weed and get your cannabis fix at a coffee shop are long gone. Since October 17, 2018, Canadians can now buy recreational cannabis legally. Canucks can buy brands like High Tide, Tweed, or Deep Space from authorized cannabis stores.

But as the years go by, the federal government has continuously updated the regulations under the Cannabis Act. Additionally, regulations in each province and territory also update regulations within their boundaries. If you’re looking for a clear guide to buying marijuana, you’re in the right place. Then, read on to learn how to purchase cannabis in 2023.

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There are many intricacies in buying weed in Canada. These details are in place to protect the buyer, the public health, and the youth. Here are some factors you need to know before you buy legal cannabis.

Canada’s provinces and territories have different age limits for buying and consuming weed. Alberta has the lowest age limit (18 years old) of all of Canada. On the other hand, an authorized Ontario cannabis store can only sell to individuals starting at 19. The same goes for the following provinces and territories:

  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

Meanwhile, authorized Quebecer cannabis retailers can only sell to individuals aged 21 and up. The province originally had the minimum legal age (MLA) to buy marijuana at 18 years old.

However, the Coalition Avenir Québec government amended Bill 2, thus changing the MLA from January 1, 2020. Local law enforcement has claimed that it was developed to shield the youth’s developing brains from the dangers of cannabis use.

Where to Purchase

The Federal Government advises individuals of legal age should only buy cannabis from a federally licensed seller. However, Canadian provinces and territories also have different takes on where legal-aged individuals can purchase cannabis. For example, a Newfoundland and Labrador or Ontario cannabis store can only be a private licensed in-person store or government-operated online store.

On the other hand, individuals living in Alberta can only purchase from private licensed in-person and online stores. The same goes for Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Yukon, and Manitoba residents. In Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, and Quebec, residents can only buy legal weed products from private licensed in-person stores.

Also, residents in those provinces can buy from government-operated in-person and online stores. Lastly, residents of New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, and Nova Scotia can only buy from government-operated in-person and online stores. You can check this link for the list of every legal cannabis store in each province or territory.

Public Possession and Storage Limits

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Canadians can buy and possess an equivalent of 30 grams of dry marijuana. Cannabis Act also states equivalents for this public possession limit in other cannabis products. A gram of dried cannabis is equal to:

  • 5g of fresh marijuana
  • 15g of cannabis in edible form
  • 70g of cannabis in liquid form (i.e., beverage, oil)
  • 0.25gs of cannabis concentrates (liquid or solid)
  • One cannabis seed

With this guide, an adult can legally possess 450 grams of edible product, 150 grams of fresh cannabis, and 2.1 kilograms of cannabis in liquid form. If you’re unsure of the amount, you can use this calculator to know if you have the correct public possession limits.

Take note that the public possession limit is different from personal storage limits. Canadians can store as many cannabis products as they want at home.

The public possession limits remain the same for authorized patients registered with a federally licensed vendor or Health Canada. Authorized patients can have 150 grams of medical cannabis or a 30-day supply of dried marijuana or equivalent. But those allowed to access medical cannabis must be ready to prove the amount they’re possessing.

Delivery Services

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As Canadians can purchase cannabis online, delivery services are important. Stores must deliver cannabis goods following established federal and local regulations. Also, stores should ensure that the shipments’ contents, packaging, and labeling adhere to all relevant laws and regulations.

In addition, there are strict rules for packing cannabis products. For example, online stores should have inner and outside packaging that is odor-proof, tamper-proof, and leak-proof. Also, authorized retailers are required not to put any markings or advertisements that reveal what is within the container.

Documentation of age, age verification procedure, and a signature are needed upon delivery to the buyer. If the individual appears younger than 30, delivery personnel can also request a government-issued photo ID.

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Cannabis can only be grown for sale by an individual who is a federally licensed seller. A license ensures that every legal cannabis product complies with stringent safety and quality control standards.

Also, only authorized retailers approved by provincial and territorial governments may sell legal cannabis products. To check if a product was legally made, the package should include the following:

  • Standardized cannabis symbol
  • Required health cautionary risks
  • Simple, child-resistant packaging and labeling
  • An excise stamp unique for each province and territory

The stamp is required for all legal cannabis goods except those with less than 0.3% THC. Excise stamps have also security features similar to how passports and currency are protected from forgery.

How To Spot Illegal Cannabis Retailers

Only buy cannabis goods from authorized merchants in each province or territory. The following are typical telltale indications of an illegal cannabis retailer:

  • No verification of age
  • Attractive products or packaging
  • Transports marijuana throughout Canada
  • Bonuses for referrals and new customers or other promotions
  • Credit cards are not accepted and only take e-transfer or cryptocurrency as payment

Contact your local law enforcement or the closest Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment if you are worried about a potential illicit cannabis retailer.

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The Cannabis Act has enforced the most stringent regulations surrounding purchasing cannabis. However, following these strict rules can make your cannabis shopping hassle-free. And don’t forget to check on your province or territory regulations to acquire cannabis products legally.

Speaking of hassle-free shopping, Green Society and Buy Cali Weed has a safe and discreet mail-order marijuana service. Green Society’s website allows anyone to order Cereal Milk or Pink Kush without fuss! 

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