Northwest Territories Cannabis Laws
Updated on Thursday January 6, 2022
To ensure public safety and promote a responsible cannabis industry within the territories, the legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories enacted the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act. The act serves as the legal framework for non-medical cannabis operations – in addition to the federal laws set in place by The Cannabis Act.
Age Limit
The minimum age limit for purchasing, possessing, consuming and cultivating cannabis in the Northwest Territories has been set at 19 years old. Territorial lawmakers decided on this age as it is in line with the legal drinking age and promotes a safe and healthy approach to the younger generation.
Possession
Adults 19 years of age and older are legally allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis or its equivalent while in public places.
Purchasing Limits
Non-medical cannabis is available for purchase at NTLCC approved retailers and the NTLCC online store. Adults 19 and older are legally allowed to purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis or its equivalent in other products. Currently, retailers only have dried cannabis, cannabis oil and cannabis seeds for sale.
Consumption
Cannabis consumption is legal in several places in the Northwest Territories, including:
- Private residences
- Private property where tobacco consumption is permitted
- Trails and roadways (when not operating a vehicle)
- Parks (when not in use for public events)
Consuming cannabis is strictly illegal in places visited frequently by children as well as in any motor vehicle. Additionally, community governments reserve the right to enact their own bylaws that add on to the existing territorial rules on public cannabis consumption.
Medical Cannabis
The legalization of recreational cannabis has no impact on the already established medical cannabis program. For more information on medical cannabis in Canada, please contact Health Canada.
Transporting Cannabis
It is legal for adults 19 years of age and older to transport cannabis in their vehicle, so long as the cannabis is in closed packaging and out of reach of the driver or any passengers.
When transporting cannabis across Canadian provinces and territories, the consumer must always be aware and in compliance of the local laws. Transporting cannabis across the international Canadian border is strictly illegal.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in the Northwest Territories. Cannabis consumption of any kind within a motor vehicle is also illegal.
Cannabis in the Workplace
Just like alcohol impairment, being under the influence of cannabis at work is endangering the safety of coworkers. In the Northwest Territories, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission is responsible for regulating cannabis in the workplace.
Cultivation
Adults of legal age are permitted to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household, so long as the plants are grown indoors or in a yard on private property. All cannabis cultivated in Northwest Territories must be grown from seeds legally purchased from licensed retailers.
Canadian Provincial Guides to Cannabis