Marijuana Laws and Policies in Northwest Territories, Canada 2020
The Northwest Territories of Canada are a very small populated area that often sticks to itself. But as it is part of the Great White North, all cannabis rules and regulations governed by federal laws still affect this place!
This would probably arouse the interests of many cannabis enthusiasts out there. What is the marijuana industry like over there? Can people use weed as freely as other parts of this country?
The quick and simple answer is: Yes! Cannabis is, in fact, legal for both medical and recreational cannabis in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Not only that, it actually has a pretty decent production industry for both cannabis and hemp, making it recognize the weed plant as a useful commodity rather than a dangerous substance!
There is surely more than meets the eye in Canada’s Northwest Territories. We will give you a brief insight of what to expect from this place!
History of Cannabis in Northwest Territories, Canada
Along with the rest of the country, Northwest Territories initially banned and stopped all use, cultivation, and manufacturing of all products that made use of marijuana and hemp. This took place in the year 1923, when Canada decided to follow suit in the ongoing trend of cannabis prohibition.
Throughout the years that followed (up until recent times), Northwest Territories actually posed one of the highest number of criminal cases related to marijuana in the whole country! However, this province actually recorded the second lowest rate of cannabis consumption in the country, mainly due to the minimal population of residents situated within its borders.
Before the impending legalization of cannabis in Canada, the government of Northwest Territories decided to present a voting for establishments to ban the sale of cannabis. When the deadline of this initiative expired without having made any progress towards completion, cannabis was officially made legal in Northwest Territories with the passing of the Cannabis Act on the 17th of October, 2018.
The Cannabis Act or C-45’s Impact on Northwest Territories:
Before cannabis was legalized in the country, officials took the initiative to hand out the Cannabis Legalization Survey in order to estimate the number of residents who were in favor of the nationwide legalization of weed. As the results showed the majority of Northwest Territories voting in favor of its legalization, the local government decided to implement a few other laws within its area in order to further regulate cannabis use.
With weed officially becoming legal in 2018, people in Northwest Territories were free to use cannabis for either medical or adult use. Activities such as buying, using, and cultivating marijuana were no longer subject to criminal charges as long as they were done within the province’s enumerated laws. With a total population of only around 50,000 residents, cannabis is surely used to great extents in this place.
Although the local council allowed certain establishments to ban cannabis purchasing and consumption, it seems as though none are inclined to do so as marijuana now plays a vital role in the ongoing economy and different industries of Northwest Territories.
Cannabis Regulation Body/Policies
The province operates its own law known as the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act, or Bill No. 6. With this, the local government is tasked with coming up with the different policies and limits of recreational cannabis in Northwest Territories. Along with privately-owned establishments, government-owned dispensaries are regulated by the Liquor Commission of the province.
Medical marijuana in Northwest Territories, like all other Canadian provinces, falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. This includes the registration of patients, nurses, doctors, and caregivers as well as the distribution of sufficient medical marijuana supplies.
Legal Age, Purchasing, and Possession of Cannabis
Legal age:
Residents in the Northwest Territories will need to be at least 19 years old and above in order to legally partake in any cannabis activities within the province’s borders. As this limit is consistent with the legal age for alcohol consumption in the area, local officials believe that this promotes a healthier and safer operation for non-medical cannabis use.
Minors who are below 19 years old are strictly prohibited from using, possessing, and cultivating cannabis in the Northwest Territories. Doing so may subject them (or their responsible parents/guardians) to criminal charges for negligent behavior.
Purchasing locations and possession limits:
All sources of marijuana for adult and recreational use should only be acquired from dispensaries and cannabis shops that are governed by the NWT’s Liquor Commission. This involves both physical and online seed banks registered under the said body.
The only available forms of cannabis products in the Northwest Territories that are available for distribution are dried marijuana buds, cannabis oil, as well as marijuana seeds for cultivation.
The limit for purchasing cannabis is up to 30 grams per transaction from any licensed distributor. Likewise, residents who are of legal age are permitted to carry up to 30 grams in public places at a given time.
Consumption and Cultivation of Cannabis
Consumption limits:
The use and consumption of cannabis is only allowed in private residences and properties as well as vacant lots as long as it is clear of any large crowds. Places in which crowds of people, especially senior citizens and minors, usually gather are to be kept cannabis-free. This is to ensure that children are still exposed to proper health standards even with the legalization of cannabis.
With the permission and licensing of the local government bodies, establishments may permit on-site cannabis consumption if they wish. Additionally, using cannabis in any motor vehicle is strictly prohibited, whether it is parked in a public place or being operated.
Cannabis cultivation:
Home cultivation of cannabis plants of up to four (4) cannabis plants is allowed per household. These must be kept hidden at all times and enclosed in an area that is inaccessible to the public.
The Northwest Territories sure knows how to make use of marijuana! With its legalization, residents of the province can freely use cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes. There are tons of things to discover with regards to the NWT’s cannabis scene and it all starts here!
