Nova Scotia's cannabis laws

• The NSLC is the only authorized retailer of recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia. Cannabis can be purchased by adults 19 or over at designated NSLC stores or online. For more information, visit Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.
• While edibles can be produced at home for personal use, it remains illegal under federal law to sell edibles, including at restaurants and markets.

• If you buy cannabis from anywhere other than the NSLC, you face a fine of at least $600.
• Anyone other than the NSLC who sells or promotes cannabis faces fines including:
  • Up to $25,000 for an individual
  • Up to $50,000 for a storefront
  • Up to $25,000 for a landlord who permits a premises to be used in contravention of the Cannabis Control Act or regulations
  • Up to $25,000 for promoting cannabis sales

19 is the legal age to use, buy, grow or possess cannabis in Nova Scotia.

• If you’re under 19, cannabis will be seized and you will face a fine of at least $250.
• If you’re under 18 and in possession of more than five grams, it is a criminal offence. You will be prosecuted in the same way as youth drug possession.
• If you’re over 18 and in possession of more than 30 grams, it is a criminal offence under the federal Cannabis Act.
• If you sell or give cannabis to someone under 19 or involve them in a cannabis-related crime you may be fined up to $10,000.

• The Smoke-free Places Act applies to the use of combustible cannabis in public places. You can be fined up to $2,000 for a violation. Municipalities may pass additional bylaws that further restrict the use of cannabis in public places. Some have, so be aware of local bylaws.
• You can use cannabis in the privacy of your own home. If you rent, your landlord may make rules about cannabis smoking or growing that form part of your lease. For more information, visit Service Nova Scotia.
• Cannabis in any form cannot be used in vehicles by passengers or drivers.

If you’re 19 or over, you can have up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) with you in public. There are no restrictions on how much you can keep in your home, as long as it’s for personal use. Store cannabis safely and keep it away from children and pets.

Legal age adults can grow up to four cannabis plants per household. Each apartment in a house or building is considered a separate household. Take extra care to grow safely if you have children or pets at home.

Municipalities may pass additional bylaws that further restrict cultivation. Some have, so be aware of local bylaws.

The rules for transporting cannabis in a vehicle are the same as alcohol. Cannabis must be in a closed, sealed package and out of reach from anyone in the vehicle.

The legalization of recreational cannabis has not changed the way medical patients access cannabis.

If you’ve been authorized by your health care practitioner and Health Canada to access cannabis for medical purposes, you can still buy it from licenced producers, grow your own for medical use, or designate someone to grow it for you. Health Canada will continue to regulate medical cannabis.