Cannabis was legalized for recreational use in Canada on October 17, 2018. As a result, each province and territory in Canada has its own regulations and laws surrounding the production, sale, and use of cannabis. In New Brunswick, cannabis is regulated by the Cannabis Control Act, which governs the sale, distribution, and possession of cannabis.
Under the Cannabis Control Act, the legal age to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis in New Brunswick is 19 years old. The Act also restricts the amount of cannabis that can be purchased and possessed at one time. Individuals are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent in non-dried forms, such as edibles or oils.
The sale and distribution of cannabis in New Brunswick are overseen by the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (NBLC). The NBLC is responsible for the operation and management of all cannabis retail stores in the province. Currently, there are 21 NB Cannabis stores located throughout New Brunswick, with plans for more stores to open in the future.
In addition to physical retail stores, the NBLC also operates an online cannabis store where individuals can purchase cannabis products for delivery. All cannabis products sold through the NBLC must be sourced from licensed producers authorized by Health Canada.
The Cannabis Control Act also outlines rules around the use of cannabis in public places. It is illegal to smoke or consume cannabis in any public place, workplace, or vehicle. Additionally, cannabis cannot be consumed in any space where smoking tobacco is prohibited. Individuals who violate these rules can be fined up to $2,000.
Driving under the influence of cannabis is also illegal in New Brunswick. It is considered a criminal offense to drive while impaired by cannabis, and individuals caught driving under the influence can face severe penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment.
Finally, the Cannabis Control Act also sets out rules and regulations for the production and cultivation of cannabis in New Brunswick. Individuals looking to produce or cultivate cannabis for personal use must obtain a license from Health Canada. For commercial production, licenses are issued by the federal government and must comply with strict regulations around production, quality control, and security.
The legalization of cannabis in Canada has led to a complex set of laws and regulations that vary by province and territory. In New Brunswick, cannabis is regulated by the Cannabis Control Act, which governs the sale, distribution, possession, and use of cannabis. While the law permits the use of cannabis for recreational purposes, it also includes strict rules and penalties around the purchase, possession, and use of cannabis, as well as the production and cultivation of cannabis.
