Cannabis is legal for adults in Ontario, but there are clear rules about who can buy it, how much you can carry, and where you can use it. Here is a plain-language summary of the rules every adult customer should know.
Legal age: 19+
You must be 19 or older to buy, possess, use or grow recreational cannabis in Ontario. Every authorized store, including Mellow Malibu, checks government-issued photo ID at the door, at pickup and on delivery. Selling or giving cannabis to anyone under 19 is illegal.
How much you can carry
Adults can possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in public. That is also the most you can buy in a single transaction. Other formats are converted to a dried-cannabis equivalent. For example, 1 gram of dried cannabis equals:
- 15 grams of edible product
- 70 grams of liquid product (such as beverages)
- 0.25 grams of concentrate
- 1 cannabis seed
There is no provincial limit on how much you can keep in a private home.
Where you can consume
In general, you can smoke or vape cannabis in a private residence (subject to your lease or condo rules) and in many outdoor places where tobacco smoking is allowed. You cannot consume cannabis in enclosed public places, workplaces, schools or on their grounds, or in other places where smoking is banned. Municipal bylaws can add further restrictions, so check local rules.
Cannabis and vehicles
Consuming cannabis in a car, boat or other vehicle that is being driven or will be driven is prohibited. Driving while impaired by cannabis is a criminal offence, and drivers who are 21 or under, or who hold a novice licence, must have zero THC in their system. If you are transporting cannabis, keep it sealed in its original packaging or packed away where no one in the vehicle can reach it.
Growing at home
Adults 19+ can grow up to four cannabis plants per residence (not per person) for personal use, using seeds or seedlings bought from an authorized retailer. Landlords and condo corporations can prohibit growing in their units.
Buying legally
Legal cannabis is sold only through AGCO-authorized stores and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). Authorized stores display the AGCO seal, and every legal product carries an excise stamp. Unlicensed websites and delivery services are illegal and their products are untested.
Travelling
Taking cannabis across the Canadian border, in either direction, is illegal, even when travelling to or from a place where cannabis is legal.
Storing cannabis safely
Keep cannabis secure and out of reach of children and pets. Our storage guide covers the practical side.
Questions?
Our staff at 647 Welham Rd, Unit 10, Barrie can answer questions about products and labels. For full details on the law, see the Government of Ontario and Ontario Cannabis Store websites. You can also read our guide to buying cannabis in Barrie.
Related guides: Cannabis and Driving in Ontario: Know the Rules, Your First Visit to a Cannabis Store: What to Expect, How to Read a Cannabis Label in Ontario.
This article is general information for adults 19+ in Ontario and is not legal advice. Laws can change; check official government sources for the current rules.