Cannabis — legal, but follow the rules
Canada legalized cannabis nationwide in 2018 — as the second country in the world after Uruguay. For travelers, this means:
- Purchase: From age 19 (in Alberta and Québec from 18/21, depending on the province) in licensed cannabis stores (identified by the green cross or the provincial brand like OCS in Ontario, SQDC in Québec).
- Possession: Up to 30 grams allowed in public.
- Consumption: Rules vary by province — allowed in BC and Ontario where smoking is permitted. In Québec, only on private property. Generally: not near schools, playgrounds, hospitals.
- Driving: Absolutely forbidden! The limits are strict (2 nanograms THC per ml of blood), and the penalties are harsher than for alcohol.
Achtung
Cannabis must NOT be brought across the border — neither to the USA nor to Germany. At the US border, the mere smell is enough for a search, and admitting to cannabis use can lead to a permanent ban from entering the USA! Also, on the return flight to Germany: cannabis is still punishable there in the amount brought.
