Nova Scotia Marijuana Information
Quick FAQ
As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors! It is legal for Canadians with a medical marijuana prescription to access medical marijuana via licensed clinics too! It is recommended that marijuana users in Nova Scotia stick to consuming at home or on private property. It is always recommended to use your discretion if you choose to consume in public.
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, overriding the previous medical marijuana legislation, and the new law changed some of the rules surrounding medical marijuana access. One of the most major shifts was that under the new medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana patients were not allowed to grow their own marijuana. However, that clause was overturned in February 2016 when a federal judge ruled that medical marijuana patients have a constitutional right to grow their own cannabis. This allows patients to control the strains and doses needed for their treatment, and it also greatly lowers the cost of marijuana for patients.
One unique feature of Canada’s medical marijuana program is that patients must receive their medicine by courier. There are legally operating storefronts for patients to go and pick their marijuana strains, but marijuana ordering can also be done online with strain recommendations from a patient’s healthcare provider.
To find a directory of Canadian Medical Marijuana Producers, click here!
Nova Scotia FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in Nova Scotia?
As of October 17th, 2018 Recreational Cannabis is now legal and shops are opening their doors!
How can I get medical marijuana?
In Canada, medical marijuana can be obtained via mail, or by visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in person. If you are a Canadian resident with a qualifying medical condition (conditions listed in the question below), 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 no licensed producers in Nova Scotia, but Nova Scotia residents can order marijuana from a producer in any province.
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?
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.
Medical marijuana patients can also get weed from the clinics for use in making their own edibles at home. At the unlicensed dispensaries, patients can purchase pre-made edibles, such as gummies and chocolates, as well as concentrates for dabbing.
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 $7-$12 per gram. Prices tend to be closer to the $7 per gram when purchasing from a licensed clinic (via mail) and closer to $12 per gram when purchasing from an unlicensed dispensary. Health insurance is typically not covered by a patient’s medical insurance.
How much Marijuana can I have?
Patients are permitted to possess up to a 30-day supply of marijuana as prescribed by the patient’s healthcare practitioner, with a maximum of 150 grams. In February 2016, it was ruled that patients have a constitutional right to grow marijuana in their homes as well.
Where can I consume my recent purchase?
According to Canadian law, marijuana must be consumed at home. The attitude towards marijuana in Nova Scotia is relatively strict, so it is recommended that you don’t smoke in public places. Always use your discretion!
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, medical marijuana patients in Nova Scotia may travel to other Canadian 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.
