Cannabis

It is illegal to grow, possess, buy, sell or share cannabis for anyone under 19 in Ontario. This is the same as the minimum age for the sale of tobacco and alcohol.

Adults who give or sell cannabis to minors can be fined and/or receive jail time.

You can grow up to four cannabis plants per household/residence (not per person).

If you are growing at home, review the Fact Sheet: Environmental Health Risks of Personal Cannabis Cultivation from National Collaborative Centre for Environmental Health.

An individual can have up to 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis in public at one time.

Accidental consumption of cannabis contact Ontario Poison Control Centre at 1-800-268-9017

Where can I use cannabis?

The Ontario government prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in:

• Enclosed public places, such as inside businesses, hospitals, restaurants and apartment building hallways
• Enclosed workplaces
• Common areas of buildings, such as hallways, laundry rooms and entertainment rooms
• Schools and school grounds
• Near child care centres
• Restaurants, bars and patios

You may not consume any form of cannabis in a vehicle or boat, whether the person is a driver or a passenger.

Learn more about where you can’t smoke or vape in Ontario

Landlords, condominium boards and co-operative housing boards may place additional restrictions on cannabis use. Check what rules apply to your residence.

If you chose to use cannabis in permitted public areas be mindful of others around you.

Driving impaired by cannabis is illegal and dangerous. It slows your reaction time and increases your chance of being in an accident. If a police officer finds that you are impaired by any drug, you will face serious penalties.

Check out the Ontario government web page on Cannabis legalization for more information.

Visit our Road and Traffic Safety page for more information.

Zero tolerance for young, novice and commercial drivers

If you are planning to use cannabis, plan a safe ride home.

If you are 21 or under, a novice driver, or a commercial driver, there is a zero-tolerance law for impaired driving. You cannot have any cannabis in your system.

Medical cannabis is subject to different rules than recreational cannabis and has not changed with legalization.

Research is evolving on the use of cannabis for medical purposes.  Like any medication, there are risks.  We recommend that you consult with your family physician, nurse-practitioner or health care provider for more information.

You can find more information on Medical Cannabis at Health Canada.

The physical effects from using cannabis include:

• Red eyes
• Dry mouth
• Irritated respiratory system (from smoking)
• Increased appetite, heart rate and blood pressure
• Altered balance and stability
• Drowsiness or restlessness

Edible cannabis products often look just like regular sweets and can be mixed with food or drinks. This can include:

• Teas, sodas or lemonade
• Candies, gummies or lollipops
• Baked goods such as cookies or brownies

When cannabis is eaten, the effects are felt anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours. The feeling may last 12 hours or longer. Because it can take longer to feel the "high", there is a greater risk of taking too much. This can make you feel anxious, paranoid and cause hallucinations.

If you are planning to eat or drink a product made with cannabis:

• Do not mix cannabis in any form with alcohol.
• Know how much is in your serving.
• Wait until you feel the full effects before consuming more (remember it can take two hours or longer).

Keep edibles in a locked location, away from kids or pets.

If you use cannabis, follow these tips to prevent accidental poisoning:

Safe Storage: If there is cannabis in your home, store it like medications and other toxic products. Make sure cannabis is stored out of reach and in a locked cupboard. Children can find ways to open child proof bottles. Clearly label cannabis products and store them in their original packaging. Make sure that anyone who looks after your kids does the same.

Avoid using cannabis in front of kids: Seeing cannabis in some forms, especially brownies and candies, can be tempting for kids. Using cannabis can impair your judgement and ability to keep children safe.

Accidental poisoning: If a child eats cannabis by accident, call Ontario Poison Control Centre toll-free at 1-800-268-9017. Expert advice is available to all of Ontario, 24 hours a day.

If the symptoms are severe, call 911 right away.

• When cannabis is smoked, vaped or dabbed, you can feel high right away. These feelings can last six hours or longer.
• When cannabis is eaten, the effects are felt in about 30 minutes to two hours. The feeling may last 12 hours or longer.

The following health risks are increased for those who use heavily or regularly:

• Problems with thinking, memory or co-ordination
• Impairment, which can lead to injuries including car crashes
• Hallucinations
• Mental health problems, especially if you or a family member has had a mental health issue, like psychosis or an addiction
• Cannabis addiction
• Breathing or lung problems including lung cancer – from smoking
• Accidentally taking too much, either by the person using or child who finds the product
• Cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke and several of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. While there is limited research at this time on the effects of second-hand cannabis smoke exposure, cannabis smoke should be avoided.

Cannabis use during pregnancy can harm your baby’s health. Cannabis can affect brain development and behaviour during their childhood.

Learn more about Substance use in Pregnancy.

Some people who use cannabis develop problems and can develop a dependence.

The younger you started using and using everyday makes your risk for addiction higher.

• People who are addicted often think about cannabis and feel worried if they won’t be able to get it.
• If you suddenly stop using, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These include irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep.

• Cannabis smoking has been consistently related to a greater incidence of cough, wheeze, aggravation of asthma, sore throat, chest tightness, shortness of breath and hoarse voice.
• There is evidence that quitting cannabis smoking can reverse some of the negative respiratory symptoms associated with its use.
• Cannabis smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke.

For more information on the effects of cannabis smoking and second-hand cannabis smoke, refer to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse resource, Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis, Respiratory Effects of Cannabis Smoking – An Update.

Cannabis use is a personal choice, but it comes with risks to your health and well-being.

Follow Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) to reduce your risk.

Signs that a person may have a problem with cannabis include:

• Ignoring responsibilities at work, school or home
• Giving up activities that they use to find important or enjoyable
• Using more cannabis, more frequently
• Feeling unable to cut down or control cannabis use
• Changes in mood
• Changing friends
• Having difficulties with family members
• Being secretive or dishonest
• Changing sleep habits, appetite or other behaviours
• Borrowing money or having more money than usual

It is sometimes hard to detect a problem with cannabis use. If you have concerns about someone in your life, talk to them to find out if there’s a problem.

Want to cut back or quit using cannabis?

There are many resources available if you decide to seek help. It is not recommended to quit "cold turkey" as you may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss of appetite, sweating and disturbed sleep (CCSA, 2017).

The first step is to talk to a medical professional, family member, a friend or counsellor.

Provides free and confidential health services for people experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, mental illness or gambling in Ontario.

Phone: 1-800-565-8603 (24/7)

Provide services to people 16 years of age and older and their families who are dealing with mental health issues and problematic substance use.

Phone: 905-666-0831 or 1-800-855-3647
Durham Crisis Response Line: 1-800-742-1890 (24/7)

Peer support group for anyone with a desire to stop using drugs. For dates, times and locations of support groups, please check the website.

Helpline: 1-888-811-3887 (Call back within 24 hours)

Provides in-patient and out-patient assessment and treatment for mental health concerns.

Website
Phone (Intake): 1-877-767-9642 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Crisis Response Line: 1-800-263-2679

Provides services to support people with alcohol, drug, concurrent mental health and gambling related concerns, including programs for youth.

For general information, to discuss concerns, and/or to book an assessment appointment, contact the location that is most convenient.

• Ajax: 905-683-5950
• Bowmanville: 905-697-2746
• Oshawa: 905-571-3344
• Port Perry: 905-985-4721

For immediate 24-hour telephone support and crisis walk-in services, call: 1-888-881-8878 or 905-723-8195 (24/7), 300 Centre Street South, Oshawa.

• Cannabis Talk Kit Know how to talk with your teen
• Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know
• Cannabis use among Durham Region students grades 9-12
• 10 Ways to Reduce Risks to Your Health When Using Cannabis
• Cannabis in Canada: Get the Facts

• Cannabis Weed out the Myths
• The Blunt Truth useful tips about safer ways to use cannabis
• Kids Help Phone Cannabis: Important things to know
• Cannabis in Canada: Get the Facts
• Be Safe app: a mobile app that helps connect youth to local services