Don't get caught breaking minute regulations!
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada is only days away!
Ahead of the October 17th deadline, each province has passed its own new legal code covering everything from the distribution to the consumption of the drug.
ALSO READ: The First-Ever Complete List Of Every Recreational Marijuana Store In Each Major Canadian City
TL;DR Each province has different regulations that dictate the proper transportation of marijuana on roads and highways. This is a complete list of cannabis transportation rules in every province.
Because these regulations vary so dramatically from province to province, Canadians could easily find themselves in trouble if, as they pass from one province to another, they unsuspectingly violate minutely different provincial laws.
One issue in particular that has concerned marijuana users is the legal transporation of the drug from place of purchase or between legal points of consumption.
Indeed, each province has specific guidelines for how to transport cannabis. Infractions come with severe penalties.
To help you avoid legal trouble, we've compiled a complete list of regulations in every Canadian province that dictate the proper transporation of recreational marijuana.
For each province, you'll see the exact language of cannabis regulations, their practical application, and the penalties associated with violations.
Stay safe! And don't drive high!
British Columbia
The transportation of cannabis is regulated by the Cannabis Control and Liscensing Act. BC probably has the most liberal laws regarding recreational marijuana in the country.
What the law says:
The law is at first straightforward: "an adult must not operate a vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is in motion, while the adult has personal possession of cannabis, or there is cannabis in the vehicle."
However, there is an exception for cannabis that is "still in the packaging from its purchase by a consumer and the packaging has never been opened" and/or "is not readily accessible to the driver and any passengers in the vehicle."
What this means for you:
Drivers in BC should:
– ideally transport cannabis only in its unopened original packaging
– ensure that no passengers possess cannabis
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (ideally in the trunk)
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible immediate confiscation of the cannabis
– possible fine
– possible mandatory drug testing
For penalties regarding driving while high in British Columbia, reference this document.
Alberta
In Alberta, the regulations for the transportation of cannabis outlined in the federal Canabis Act will serve as default rules, according to the Alberta Liquor and Gaming Corporation (ALGC).
What the law says:
The ALGC website states that "you are allowed to transport cannabis in a vehicle, but it must be secured in closed packaging and not within reach of the driver or occupants."
What this means for you:
Driver should simply:
– store cannabis in an air-tight package
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (though not necessarily out of view)
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible confiscation of cannabis
– possible mandatory drug testing
– possible fine
For penalties regarding driving while high in Alberta, reference this document.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Cannabis Framework lists transportation regulations that apply in addition to those in the federal Cannabis Act.
What the law says:
Simply: "Cannabis can be transported from a place it can be legally purchased to a place where it can be legally consumed, or from one location of legal consumption to another."
What this means for you:
This is perhaps the most straightforward regulation in Canada. Motorists should:
– store cannabis in an air-tight package
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (though not necessarily out of view)
Penalties for not following these rules:
According to the government of Saskatchewan website:
– $300 fine
For penalties regarding driving while high in Saskatchewan, reference this document.
Manitoba
The Manitoba Highway Traffic Act is quite (even strangely) specific about the transportation of cannabis.
What the law says:
Drivers in Manitoba can transport cannabis:
– if "the cannabis is stored in the trunk" or, in the case of "station wagons" and "sport utility vehicles," "behind the rear of the last seat in the vehicle;"
– "in a cabinet or other storage compartment" in "motor homes;"
– if "the vehicle is an off-road vehicle;"
– "if the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle;"
– "if the vehicle is a trailer;"
What this means for you:
These is the most Manitoba-specific legislation ever. Drivers in the province are:
– only allowed to keep their marijuana in the trunk (or, in the absence of a trunk, behind the back seat) and in a sealed bag
– allowed to posses marijuana on their person if they are operating an off-road vehicle or bike, or live in a trailer
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible fine
– possible mandatory drug test
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada is only days away!
Ahead of the October 17th deadline, each province has passed its own new legal code covering everything from the distribution to the consumption of the drug.
ALSO READ: The First-Ever Complete List Of Every Recreational Marijuana Store In Each Major Canadian City
TL;DR Each province has different regulations that dictate the proper transportation of marijuana on roads and highways. This is a complete list of cannabis transportation rules in every province.
Because these regulations vary so dramatically from province to province, Canadians could easily find themselves in trouble if, as they pass from one province to another, they unsuspectingly violate minutely different provincial laws.
One issue in particular that has concerned marijuana users is the legal transporation of the drug from place of purchase or between legal points of consumption.
Indeed, each province has specific guidelines for how to transport cannabis. Infractions come with severe penalties.
To help you avoid legal trouble, we've compiled a complete list of regulations in every Canadian province that dictate the proper transporation of recreational marijuana.
For each province, you'll see the exact language of cannabis regulations, their practical application, and the penalties associated with violations.
Stay safe! And don't drive high!
British Columbia
The transportation of cannabis is regulated by the Cannabis Control and Liscensing Act. BC probably has the most liberal laws regarding recreational marijuana in the country.
What the law says:
The law is at first straightforward: "an adult must not operate a vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is in motion, while the adult has personal possession of cannabis, or there is cannabis in the vehicle."
However, there is an exception for cannabis that is "still in the packaging from its purchase by a consumer and the packaging has never been opened" and/or "is not readily accessible to the driver and any passengers in the vehicle."
What this means for you:
Drivers in BC should:
– ideally transport cannabis only in its unopened original packaging
– ensure that no passengers possess cannabis
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (ideally in the trunk)
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible immediate confiscation of the cannabis
– possible fine
– possible mandatory drug testing
For penalties regarding driving while high in British Columbia, reference this document.
Alberta
In Alberta, the regulations for the transportation of cannabis outlined in the federal Canabis Act will serve as default rules, according to the Alberta Liquor and Gaming Corporation (ALGC).
What the law says:
The ALGC website states that "you are allowed to transport cannabis in a vehicle, but it must be secured in closed packaging and not within reach of the driver or occupants."
What this means for you:
Driver should simply:
– store cannabis in an air-tight package
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (though not necessarily out of view)
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible confiscation of cannabis
– possible mandatory drug testing
– possible fine
For penalties regarding driving while high in Alberta, reference this document.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Cannabis Framework lists transportation regulations that apply in addition to those in the federal Cannabis Act.
What the law says:
Simply: "Cannabis can be transported from a place it can be legally purchased to a place where it can be legally consumed, or from one location of legal consumption to another."
What this means for you:
This is perhaps the most straightforward regulation in Canada. Motorists should:
– store cannabis in an air-tight package
– keep cannabis out of reach of both driver and passengers (though not necessarily out of view)
Penalties for not following these rules:
According to the government of Saskatchewan website:
– $300 fine
For penalties regarding driving while high in Saskatchewan, reference this document.
Manitoba
The Manitoba Highway Traffic Act is quite (even strangely) specific about the transportation of cannabis.
What the law says:
Drivers in Manitoba can transport cannabis:
– if "the cannabis is stored in the trunk" or, in the case of "station wagons" and "sport utility vehicles," "behind the rear of the last seat in the vehicle;"
– "in a cabinet or other storage compartment" in "motor homes;"
– if "the vehicle is an off-road vehicle;"
– "if the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle;"
– "if the vehicle is a trailer;"
What this means for you:
These is the most Manitoba-specific legislation ever. Drivers in the province are:
– only allowed to keep their marijuana in the trunk (or, in the absence of a trunk, behind the back seat) and in a sealed bag
– allowed to posses marijuana on their person if they are operating an off-road vehicle or bike, or live in a trailer
Penalties for not following these rules:
– possible fine
– possible mandatory drug test
AFAIK.
