Cannabis

In Canada, cannabis is legal for recreational use. Learn more about cannabis and its impact.

Cannabis, also called marijuana, weed and pot, is a drug that comes from a plant. It consists of dried flowers, fruiting tops and leaves that are greenish or brownish.

In October 2018, Canada legalized cannabis for recreational use.

Cannabis use is linked with:

• Respiratory symptoms and bronchitis, when smoked.
• An increased risk of motor vehicle crashes.
• The development of schizophrenia or other psychoses.
• The risk for problem cannabis use with earlier and more frequent use

Cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals

The production and sale of cannabis edibles, topicals and extracts became legal under the Canadian government cannabis regulations on October 17, 2019.

These new products come in the following forms:

• edibles like baked goods, beverages
• cannabis oil
• chemically concentrated extracts such as hash oil, shatter, budder or wax
• physically concentrated extracts like hash or kief
• tincture or sprays
• creams, salves and liniments

Resources

• Cannabis in Canada - get the facts
• Drug-impaired driving information

For parents and caregivers

• Cannabis: what parents, guardians and caregivers need to know (PDF)
• Health and safety resources for parents and caregivers
• How to talk to your teenagers about drugs and impaired driving
• Ontario mental health services for children and youth

For teachers

• Information for teachers and educators
• Resource for teachers – legalization of recreational cannabis

For health care professionals

• Medical use of cannabis (PDF)

Learn about tobacco, cannabis and electronic cigarette enforcement in Peel.