As of October 17, 2018, recreational cannabis use is legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act. The Act outlines a framework for federal control over the production, distribution, sale, and possession of both medical and recreational cannabis.
The legal framework for access to medical cannabis, under which physicians can sign medical documents authorizing access (i.e. prescribe) for patients, was previously outlined in the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR),1 under the Controlled Substances Act. 2 This legal framework remains the same after the legalization of recreational cannabis use, however it is now outlined in the new Cannabis Regulations3 under the Cannabis Act. 4
For recreational cannabis, the federal government has set the legal age to buy and consume cannabis at 18, but each province and territory has established its own legal framework around the sale, consumption, and possession of cannabis, much like they have done for alcohol and tobacco.5
Minimum age to buy, sell, and consume cannabis:6 |
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Possession limits for individuals:6 |
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Limitations on location of usage:6 |
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Legal forms of cannabis: 6,8,9 |
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Retail framework: 10 |
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Restrictions on packaging and composition:3,9 |
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Access to medical cannabis1 |
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Leading up to legalization, the OMA surveyed members on topics related to both medical and recreational cannabis to identify the areas where Ontario’s physicians feel they require the most support. The resources in this library have been created or sourced according to the key areas of concern identified by members in the survey.
A summary of cannabis-related guidance from the CPSO, CMPA and the OMA Legal and Economics departments.
Information to help you understand the new laws around cannabis-impaired driving, discuss the risks with patients, and understand your responsibilities.
A collection of multimedia learning resources exploring topics from cannabinoid basics to current clinical evidence for use and special risk populations.
Tools to help inform and guide your conversations with patients about recreational cannabis.
OMA Recommendations to the Ministry of the Attorney General on Recreational
Cannabis Consultation (2017)
OMA Submission on Health Canada’s Proposed Regulations for Additional
Cannabis Products (2019)
1Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, SOR/2016-230.
2Controlled Substances Act, 1996, S.C.1996, c. 19.
3Cannabis Regulations, SOR/2018-144.
4Cannabis Act, 2018, SC. 2018, c 16.
5 Government of Canada. Cannabis in Canada . Ottawa, ON: 2018. [cited Sep 20 2018].
6 Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2nd Sess, 41st Leg, Ontario, 2017
7 Government of Ontario. Cannabis Legalization [Internet]. Toronto, ON: 2018. [cited Sep 20 2018].
9Government of Canada. Final Regulations: Edible Cannabis, Cannabis Extracts, Cannabis Topicals. Ottawa, ON: 2019 [Cited June 26 2019].
10Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Expression of Interest in Lottery Rules [Internet]. Toronto, ON: 2018 [cited Mar 14 2019].
Updated: October 15, 2019