Marijuana Laws and Policies in Saskatchewan, Canada 2020
With a lot of hype and enthusiasm surrounding the legalization of cannabis in Canada, one would think that cannabis is treated the same all across the whole nation! However, that isn’t exactly the case.
While one province in the Great White North might have a high consumption rate of marijuana, another might not have citizens that are as inclined to weed!
This is the case in the province of Saskatchewan. While people who are of legal age can still get their hands on weed here pretty easily, reports show that it had one of the lowest percentages of cannabis consumption in recent years.
An area where Saskatchewan thrives, however, is in the production of hemp. That’s right! What is also known as industrial cannabis is one of the most thriving industries in the province. In fact, it houses one of the biggest hemp industries in Canada and North America. But aside from that, you can still find plenty of things to look forward to regarding Saskatchewan’s weed scene!
History of Cannabis in Saskatchewan, Canada
The use of cannabis in Saskatchewan was first prohibited during the year 1923 along with the rest of the country. This had a profound impact on the province’s industry as it relied heavily on the production and distribution of hemp in Canada. More than 200 acres of land in Saskatchewan acted as a cultivation site for industrial cannabis.
In the year 1938, all production of this was put to a complete stop. As the medical use of marijuana became legal across the whole Canada in the year 2001, Saskatchewan took steps to establish some medical dispensaries and clinics which allowed patients who were carrying a doctor’s legal prescription to purchase cannabis from them.
People located in this province saw this as a means of obtaining marijuana through legal means. Although theoretically establishments for medical weed, residents of Saskatchewan were still reported to buying marijuana for recreational use in these shops.
They did not have to hide any longer, however, as cannabis use and consumption for recreational purposes was made legal in Canada on October 17th, 2018 with the approval of the federal Cannabis Act, otherwise known as Bill C-45.
With this, people in Saskatchewan were permitted to carry weed in public places as well as operate businesses and tradings regarding adult-use marijuana.
The Cannabis Act or C-45’s Impact in Saskatchewan:
Before the legalization of marijuana in Canada, Saskatchewan took the initiative to outline its own set of local rules and regulations for the administering of cannabis in its borders, should the Cannabis Act fully come into effect.
This led to the drafting and organization of the Saskatchewan Cannabis Framework. Within this framework were the various policies that governed the limitation on the use, possession, cultivation, and selling of recreational marijuana around the province.
Today, there are well over 50 different marijuana dispensaries within Saskatchewan’s borders that are authorized to sell and provide either medical or recreational cannabis.
But despite marijuana seemingly becoming accessible to its residents, Saskatchewan seemingly has the lowest percentage of cannabis use in recent years and tallies one of the lowest cannabis consumption per capita rates in the whole country.
Cannabis Regulation Body/Policies
There are much stricter rules and regulations implemented regarding the use of marijuana in Saskatchewan compared to other provinces. They also uphold some of the most stringent policies regarding marijuana-impaired driving. Both the rules set in the federal Cannabis Act as well as the Saskatchewan Cannabis Framework are carried out by the local government.
The regulation of government and privately-owned marijuana shops, on the other hand, are overseen by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Among their responsibilities are the licensing and approval of establishments that wish to distribute recreational marijuana.
Legal Age, Purchasing, and Possession of Cannabis
Legal age:
In Saskatchewan, the legal age for recreational cannabis activities is 19 years old and above. This is consistent with the majority of the other provinces in the country and is also the recognized minimum age limit set in the federal Cannabis Act.
People of legal age are permitted to buy, use, grow, and apply for a distribution license for recreational cannabis in Saskatchewan.
Purchasing locations and possession limits:
All sources and supplies of marijuana for recreational and adult use must only be obtained from government or privately-owned shops that are registered under the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. These include physical or online shops that are made accessible to people within the province’s borders.
As for the possession and consumption limits, people who are at least 19 years old and above are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of marijuana products in a public area without being subject to misdemeanor charges. Moreover, an adult who meets the minimum age requirement is also allowed to purchase up to 30 grams of marijuana products for every transaction.
Consumption and Cultivation of Cannabis
Consumption limits:
The laws of cannabis consumption in Saskatchewan are made simple and straightforward: public consumption of cannabis for any purpose is strictly illegal. It is prohibited even in areas that permit the use of tobacco smoking and vaping.
This is in compliance with the health and safety protocols to uphold a cannabis-free environment for kids and senior citizens. As such, the only option that you have for weed smoking is in private areas and residences.
Cannabis cultivation:
Land owners do have the right to prohibit tenants from cultivating marijuana seeds in their owned properties. For adults, they are allowed to grow up to four (4) cannabis plants in a given household. This limit applies even if there are two (2) or more qualifying adults living therein.
