Last verified: March 2026
Criminal Offences Under the Cannabis Act
The Cannabis Act creates criminal offences for activities outside the legal framework. These are federal criminal charges that apply uniformly across Canada.
Possession Over the Limit
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Possession over 30g in public (adults) | Up to 5 years imprisonment (indictable) or summary conviction |
| Possession of illicit cannabis (any amount) | Up to 5 years imprisonment |
Distribution and Trafficking
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Distributing or selling without a license | Up to 14 years imprisonment |
| Producing cannabis for sale without license | Up to 14 years imprisonment |
| Importing or exporting cannabis | Up to 14 years imprisonment |
Youth-Related Offences
The Cannabis Act imposes the most severe penalties for involving minors:
- Selling or distributing to a minor: Up to 14 years imprisonment
- Using a minor to commit a cannabis offence: Up to 14 years imprisonment
- These are among the harshest drug penalties in Canadian law
Illegal Cultivation
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Growing more than 4 plants at home | Summary conviction or up to 5 years |
| Growing for distribution purposes | Up to 14 years imprisonment |
| Growing in Quebec (where banned) | Provincial fine |
Impaired Driving Penalties
Cannabis DUI carries mandatory minimum penalties. See our dedicated DUI and driving page for the full breakdown of THC blood limits and consequences.
Provincial Penalties
Provinces impose additional fines for violations of their specific rules:
- Public consumption where banned: Typically $200–$500 depending on province
- Smoking in prohibited areas: Fines vary by municipality (e.g., Vancouver: $250 for parks/beaches)
- Home growing in Quebec: Provincial fine
For Visitors
Foreign visitors convicted of a cannabis criminal offence in Canada will have a Canadian criminal record. This can affect future travel to Canada and other countries. Even minor offences like excess possession or public consumption fines should be taken seriously. Always stay within legal limits and respect provincial rules.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org