It's Legalization Day - Here's What You Need to Know

Cannabis is legal Canada wide, and it has the potential to affect many aspects of everyday life. Here are a few key things you'll want to remember:

At Home

We will be giving you a more detailed view of cannabis limits by province further down, but most provinces are not imposing limits on how much cannabis you can have in your possession at home. In fact, adults in almost every province will be able to grow up to 4 plants for their own recreational use (this is strictly banned in both Quebec and Manitoba at the moment).

It is important to recognize that using marijuana on your own time could potentially have consequences in a professional setting. Before you start using recreational marijuana, make sure you know your workplace's policy regarding cannabis. 

At Work

Many companies updated their marijuana policies in the lead up to legalization, and the rules will vary from employer to employer. That being said, many of the companies we deal with have updated their marijuana policies to resemble their alcohol policies. People in safety-sensitive and high risk jobs are seeing stricter policies, with some even banning any use of the substance outright. 

That being said, employers have a duty to accommodate, and workers with a medical cannabis prescription should speak to their supervisor or health and safety representative about their policies regarding medical use. 

For specifics regarding your organization's drug and alcohol policy, check with your health and safety representative. Keep in mind that cannabis policies are likely to change and evolve over the next few months as workplaces become more familiar with how cannabis use will affect their workers and business.

Driving

Similarly to alcohol and some over the counter medications, cannabis can impair decision making abilities and slow reaction time, putting yourself and those around you at risk.

If you are caught for driving under the influence of marijuana, the consequences are as follows:

• Up to $1,000 for drivers with between two and five nanograms in their blood.
• Drivers with either more than five nano grams or who were drinking alcohol and consuming cannabis at the same time could face steeper fines and jail time.
• Up to 10 years in prison for more serious offences.

Travelling

Canada is the first country to legalize cannabis and individuals will be able to pack up to 30 grams on domestic flights. However, since it is an illegal substance in other countries, Canadians are not permitted to bring any amount across international borders regardless of whether it's a personal or business trip.

A Quick Look at Legalization by Province/Territory

OK, so we mentioned in an earlier post that each province and territory would be in charge of creating their own rules regarding cannabis possession and consumption. Here is a short guide on what legalization looks like from coast to coast today.