Nova Scotia Cannabis Laws
Updated on Thursday January 6, 2022
Before cannabis became officially legal on October 17, 2018, Nova Scotia lawmakers implemented their own set of cannabis rules and regulations in an effort to ensure public health and safety. These rules and regulations define what is legal in the province and also aim to promote the success of their cannabis industry.
Age Limit
You must be 19 years of age or older to possess, purchase, consume or cultivate cannabis in Nova Scotia.
Possession
In public, adults 19 years of age and older are legally allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or a combination of the equivalent. In the privacy of your own home, there are no restrictions on how much cannabis can be stored and possessed as long as it is for personal use only.
Purchasing Limits
The only authorized cannabis retailer in Nova Scotia is the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). Purchases can be made in person at authorized NSLC retail stores or through their online platform. Edibles are not currently available for purchase, however, individuals are free to produce them in the privacy of their own home.
Consumption
Adults are only allowed to consume cannabis within the privacy of their own home or private residence.
Additionally, renters are subject to amendments within lease agreements that prohibit consumption within their unit at a landlord’s discretion. The Smoke-free Places Act prohibits combustible consumption within public places as well. Furthermore, cannabis consumption is not permitted in vehicles by passengers or drivers.
Medical Cannabis
The legalization of recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia brings no changes to existing medical marijuana programs. Patients authorized by Health Canada are still legally allowed to purchase, grow and designate someone to grow their medicine.
Transporting Cannabis
Nova Scotia’s cannabis transporting rules are designed in the same respect as alcohol. All cannabis products must remain in sealed, closed packages and must be completely out of reach from those riding in the vehicle. Fines up to $2,000 will be issued for violations.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly illegal in Nova Scotia. Individuals may be fined up to $2,000 if they are found guilty of consuming cannabis within a vehicle.
Cannabis in the Workplace
There are no immediate changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) in Nova Scotia as a result of cannabis legalization. Workplaces treat at work impairment from cannabis consumption with the same respect as impairment from alcohol.
Cultivation
Adults 19 years of age and older are legally allowed to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household. However, local municipalities are allowed to pass additional bylaws to restrict cultivation within communities so be sure to look up any local bylaws that may be in place before starting up your grow.