With the Cannabis Act officially coming into effect today, recreational marijuana possession is now legal in Canada.
But there are still rules to follow concerning its possession and use.
Owen Sound Police Media Relations Const. Craig Peddle says as of today those ages 19 and older can buy, use or possess recreational cannabis.
Peddle says the legislation allows you to carry to 30 grams of marijuana on your person, even if you’re outside of your residence.
When it comes to personal marijuana growing, Peddle says you are allowed to grow up to four plants per residence.
“It has to be your residence,” Peddle says. “And there seems to be some confusion and discussion, but it’s not four per person; It’s four plants per residence.”
Peddle says smoking cannabis is prohibited within 20 metres of any public facilities such as an arena, sports complex, hospital or school.
Further, you cannot smoke cannabis within nine metres of a restaurant or patio.
As of today, the only legal place to purchase recreational cannabis is online through the Ontario Cannabis Store, Peddle reminds.
“Any other dispensaries that may exist in other jurisdictions, technically, by law, they won’t be legal,” he says.
It is a criminal offence to supply marijuana to a person under the age of 19, Peddle adds.
And, of course, Peddle says it remains against the law to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana.
He suggests visiting ocslearn.ca to find out more information about legal cannabis in Ontario.
FACT: You are not permitted to smoke within 20 metres or approximately 65 feet of children's playgrounds, arenas, public pools, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts etc., This includes #cannabis #cigars #tobacco #pipes #bowls #Ontario #Canada SmokeFreeOntario, Section2 pic.twitter.com/hT6FFajgP3
— OwenSoundPolice (@OwenSoundPolice) October 15, 2018
FACT: Drivers 21 or under & novice drivers of any age-G1,G2,M1,M2 lic-must not have ANY blood/alcohol presence. If police SUSPECT a driver is impaired by alcohol OR #drugs, they give a roadside sobriety test. Impairment by #cannabis is a crime. This is the “Zero Tolerance” rule. pic.twitter.com/ZcgBwwwE58
— OwenSoundPolice (@OwenSoundPolice) October 15, 2018