Cannabis — Canada

Recreational cannabis is legal inside Canada, but carrying it across the border in either direction—in any amount or form, even with a medical document—is a serious criminal offence.

Arrest and prosecution; seizure and possible jail; a permanent ban is possible.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada for adults, and you may carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or the equivalent in public. The catch is that the minimum age is set by each province -- 18 in Alberta, 19 in most provinces and territories, and 21 in Quebec -- so an age that is legal in one province is an offence in the next. Never take cannabis across the Canadian border in either direction: that is a serious criminal offence regardless of the amount, of any medical document, and of whether it is legal where you are going.

Possessing more than 30 g in a public place: up to 5 years less a day on indictment, or a fine up to $5,000 or 6 months' imprisonment on summary conviction (Cannabis Act s. 8(2)). Importing or exporting cannabis without authorisation: up to 14 years (s. 11). Driving while impaired by cannabis is a criminal offence, and Quebec additionally prohibits driving with any detectable presence of cannabis in your saliva.