Marijuana Laws in Canada: Province by Province

British Columbia

Legal age to buy cannabis: 19

Estimated Price: Unknown

Public Smoking: Legal

British Columbian legislation is a little laxer than the other population center, Ontario. This will give independent businesses like this chain founded by a 24-year-old more opportunity to work in the cannabis industry.

Cannabis will be sold independently from alcohol across the province. Only in rural areas will the law allow retailers to sell cannabis alongside other items, like lottery tickets and food.

British Columbia cannabis law permits smoking weed in the same spots where you can smoke cigarettes. Similar to other provinces, you won’t be able to smoke marijuana in public places such as parks and beaches, and anywhere there are likely to be children (schools, playgrounds…).

You’ll be able to buy weed from government-run stores as well as independent retailers. However, all marijuana producers will sell their product to the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), who will distribute it to retail locations, government-run or otherwise. Vancouver already has marijuana dispensaries, so authorities felt the government couldn’t be the sole distributor.

Impaired driving laws for British Columbia will resemble Quebec’s legislation. Driving under the influence merits a 90-day suspension under B.C.’s no tolerance policy.