British Columbia Marijuana Information
Quick FAQ
British Columbia has a massive network of parks!
British Colombia is very marijuana friendly – perhaps because of its proximity to the green state of Washington. Vancouver has been a trailblazer in creating new marijuana regulations regarding the illegal medical marijuana dispensaries operating around the country and in February 2016, a federal judge in British Colombia ruled that medical marijuana patients have the constitutional right to grow their own marijuana.
In 2000, Canada became one of the first countries in the world to rule that its citizens have a right to use cannabis for medicinal purposes. In 2013, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations passed and the new law changed some of the rules regarding access to medical marijuana. One major shift was that under the new medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana patients were not allowed to grow their own marijuana. However, that clause in the law was overruled in February 2016 when a federal court judge ruled that it is a constitutional right for medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis. This allows patients to control the strains and doses needed to be suit their treatment.
One unique feature of Canada’s medical marijuana program is that patients must receive their medicine by courier. There are no legally operating retail storefronts for patients to pick out their marijuana strains; instead, marijuana ordering is done online. Strain recommendations must come from a patient’s healthcare provider or someone online who can help recommend a good choice.
As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
It remains illegal to consume marijuana in public in British Colombia, but a number of lounges operate under the “safe space” law and provide a place for medical marijuana users to come consume. The lounges do not sell marijuana, and only provide a place for marijuana users to congregate and consume together. The presence of these lounges has given Vancouver the nickname “Vansterdam” – you don’t need a medical prescription to get it, so tourists are welcome. Just bring your own marijuana! When choosing to consume, always use your common sense and discretion.
For a list of all of the Canadian Medical Marijuana Producers, click here!
British Columbia FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in British Colombia?
Yes, for both recreational and medical purposes. Medical marijuana is legal in all of Canada with a qualifying medical condition and prescription from a licensed doctor. As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
How can I get marijuana?
In Canada, medical marijuana must be obtained via mail, not by visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in person. If you are a Canadian resident with a qualifying medical condition, you can get a prescription for medical marijuana. First, meet with your healthcare practitioner who will complete a Medical Document. Then, choose a Licensed Commercial Producer and register your medical document to become a client. A list of authorized producers can be found here. After registering and receiving a prescription, will be able to order directly from your Licensed Commercial Producer. You can find a list of Licensed Commercial Producers here. There are currently seven licensed producers in British Colombia.
In Vancouver specifically, there are a few dispensaries that have been licensed by the city and are now licensed operators. It is expected the number of licensed dispensaries will only continue to grow as dispensaries adapt to the city’s conditions for approval.
If you are an adult over the age of 19, get out there to a rec dispensary and make a legal recreational cannabis purchase and breathe a deep sigh of relief!
What are the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana?
Patients can receive a prescription for medical marijuana to treat a variety of ailments, including, but not limited to:
- ADD/ADHD
- Arthritis
- Anxiety and Depression
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Eating Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/Aids
- Loss of Appetite
- Migraines
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Sleep disorders
What types of marijuana will be available?
On the medical side, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations specifies that licensed producers will only be permitted to sell dried marijuana and oils for taking orally. There will be a number of different strains to choose from, ranging from strong Indicas to strong Sativas and everything in between. Each strain can have different effects, so be sure to ask your physician for assistance in choosing the best marijuana strain to help treat your condition. Sativas strains are known for giving a stronger head high, with generally uplifting and energizing effects. Indica strains are known for their full body highs and sedative, tiring effects – Indica strains are more likely to give you couch-lock.
Recreational stores will have a wide variety of products from dried flower, to concentrates, as well as edibles. Go find the right product for you!
How much will it cost?
This is dependent on the marijuana providers, which product you will be purchasing, as well as potency and quality, but patients and recreational consumers can expect prices to be between $8-$16 per gram.
How much Marijuana can I have?
In public, adults may possess up to 30 grams of usable marijuana, but there is no limits to the amount you may have at home. Additionally, all adults may cultivate up to 4 cannabis plants at home. What a world!
Where can I consume marijuana?
Marijuana consumption is forbidden in public, so patients must restrict consumption to the home or private property. British Colombia also has a “safe space” law that allows lounges to operate. These lounges do not sell marijuana, but they provide a space for marijuana users to congregate and consume together. These lounges typically have vaporizers, bongs, and other smoking devices available for rent, as well as munchies for sale. The lounges are operating legally, as long as they are not selling marijuana.
Can I take my purchase home if I live in another country?
No. All marijuana products purchased in Canada must be consumed in Canada. However, you may travel between provinces without issue.
Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.
