When most people think of Vancouver, they envision a beautiful city nestled amongst a stunning mountainous backdrop and an abundance of natural beauty. But you can’t talk about Vancouver without mentioning the world-famous BC Bud! It’s now been 4 years since recreational cannabis use has been legal in Canada. Since then, cannabis enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to Canada’s cannabis capital to sample the herbs. Whether you live in Vancouver or are planning a trip, knowing the rules and regulations surrounding the legality of this glorious herb is beneficial to ensure you can enjoy your weed hassle-free.

Is it Legal to Smoke Weed in Vancouver?

In short yes, Cannabis can be purchased, sold, or consumed by anyone over the age of 19, and you are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis.

Other cannabis products limits are as follows:

• 150 grams of fresh cannabis
• 450 grams of edible product
• 2,100 grams of liquid product
• 5 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
• 30 cannabis plant seeds

Before its legalization in October 2018, Vancouver RCMP officers appeared to enforce the law in quite a relaxed manner, so once legalization occurred, the public seemed confused about how they were expected to adhere to the new laws.

Did you know? Halifax has 84 designated toking zones where patrons can ‘legally toke’.

Where Can I Smoke Weed in Vancouver?

A lot of people want to know, can you smoke a joint in public in Vancouver? The answer is yes, In Vancouver and all around BC for that matter, you can smoke cannabis pretty much anywhere that you can smoke tobacco/vape. Lots of places will also have signage indicating that you can smoke cannabis. Cannabis smoking lounges and cafes also offer a safe space for smokers to come and enjoy their cannabis in peace.

The New Amsterdam Cafe, which opened in 1998, is a must-see for cannabis tourists coming to Vancouver. Before legalization, this cafe served as a haven for cannabis smokers during a period of stigma and uncertainty. The New Amsterdam Cafe is now an authentic cannabis lounge where you can enjoy your cannabis while sipping a nice cup of tea, or tending to your munchies with a solid selection of snacks and treats. 

Smoking is also permitted in front country campsites (campsites that you can drive into), so you can enjoy your herbs submerged in nature and under the stars. There are however still some restrictions on where you are allowed to consume your weed, and many communities have adopted bylaws limiting smoking in certain public places or altogether.

Where You Can’t Smoke Weed in Vancouver

Smoking weed in indoor public places is a no-go, and this also extends to public transport facilities such as public buses & the Skytrain (including stations).

Included in this are also restaurants and bars, with cannabis-smoking lounges and cafes being the exception.

The law also prohibits the consumption of cannabis on school grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, and skate parks. It also prohibits cannabis use in areas where children congregate.

There is also no smoking allowed in Metro Vancouver regional parks and greenways (except in designated smoking areas).

A good rule of thumb is basically if you can’t smoke tobacco/vape there then it’s highly like the same rule applies for cannabis (unless stated otherwise).

Does Vancouver Have Good Weed?

Historically BC has had a more liberal view towards weed consumption than other parts of Canada, and this has helped the province to become a leader in cannabis growth and innovation.

Referred to by many as ‘Vansterdam’, Vancouver is home to some of the world’s best quality cannabis and of course the world-renowned BC BUD!

The province boasts ideal growing conditions, and with an abundance of sunshine and rainfall, British Columbia makes for the perfect location for cannabis cultivation. For indoor growers and larger-scale grow operations, BC’s relatively inexpensive hydroelectric is also very attractive for those growing their crops.

Did you know?: The Gulf Islands and Fraser Valley regions are considered by many as the birthplace of the BC Bud movement. 

Where to Buy Weed in Vancouver

Throughout Canada, ‘legal cannabis’ is sold at either government-run retail stores or privately run dispensaries.

As of August 2022, In B.C. alone, there were 212 federally licensed cannabis producers,74 of which were micro-producers, 34 public cannabis stores, and 441 private cannabis retail store licences.

More specifically there are roughly 174 different retail cannabis stores scattered throughout Vancouver, Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.

There are many so many dispensaries in Vancouver offering a variety of cannabis strains, and products. so whether you’re looking for a specific strain or want to explore the city’s cannabis options, you’ll find something that suits your taste.

For a quintessential Canadian cannabis experience, you should visit Stanley Park—referred to as “the oasis in the midst of the urban landscape” you can explore 400 hectares of natural forest, beaches and a seawall while enjoying views of Vancouver’s skyline. There are also some great ‘spots’ scattered throughout.

Conclusion

Understanding the dos and don’ts of cannabis use will help you enjoy your Vancouver weed experience safely, responsibly and without interruption. Although there are some rules governing its use, navigating this small web of laws is not too difficult. 

So now that you understand the rules, it’s time to go out and enjoy Vancouver’s cannabis delights, and for a quintessential Canadian cannabis experience, I recommend visiting Stanley Park.

Referred to as “the oasis in the midst of the urban landscape” you can explore 400 hectares of natural forest, beaches and a seawall while enjoying views of Vancouver’s skyline. There are also some great ‘spots’ scattered throughout.

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FAQ’S 

Can you smoke while driving in BC?

Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis use, it is still illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana, this extends to the passenger/s. So if you have just picked up some green from your local dispensary and you throw your bag in the front seat, make your Cannabis stays its in original packaging with an unbroken seal. Of course, sometimes the motive isn’t to go straight home after we pick it up, in that case, once the seal is broken make sure your weed is stored in the trunk of the car.

Where is weed legal in Canada?

Weed is legal throughout Canada. Each of Canada’s 13 provinces has its own set of rules regarding where you can buy cannabis. It’s important to note that even though some U.S. states have also legalized weed, transporting cannabis across Canada’s international borders is illegal. Did you know? Nova Scotia is the only Province in Canada that permits the sale of cannabis and alcohol at the same physical store location!

Is it illegal to be high in public in Canada?

As long as you adhere to the laws surrounding places where you can consume cannabis and are of legal age, there is no law against ‘being high’ in public.

Can I smoke on my balcony in BC?

Smoking is allowed on private property, so you can enjoy that balcony joint with a cup of tea. However, if you are a renter, some building contracts may specifically prohibit the use of cannabis inside. It’s a good idea to double-check with your landlord or housing association.

Is it legal to purchase cannabis if you are a visitor to Canada?

For sure!  In BC specifically, as long as you are 19 or older, you can purchase recreational cannabis in Canada. The legal age in Alberta is 18 while in Quebec it’s 21! Also don’t forget to consume all of your weed whilst on Canadian soil, as bringing it across the border by land, sea or air is illegal.

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