Cannabis will be legal for adults throughout Canada starting on Oct. 17, 2018. You have questions, we have answers: Where to buy it, which stores are open, age limits, purchase limits, what’s actually on the shelves, where it’s legal to consume, and more.
Retail Sales in Nova Scotia
Retail cannabis sales will be handled by the publicly-run Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), which is expected to open nine stores throughout the province.
The crown corporation will launch its online retail site, myNSLC.com, at 12:01am on Oct. 17. Here’s the catch: You can’t enter the web site without a special access code. And that code can only be obtained by showing up in person at any NSLC store (starting Oct. 17), presenting a valid ID confirming that you’re 19 or older, and accepting a special card. There is no cost to obtain the card.
Legal Age in Nova Scotia: 19
Each province sets its own legal age, as with alcohol. In Nova Scotia, the minimum age for purchase and possession is set at 19 years of age.
I’m New to Cannabis. Help!
We’ve got you covered. Leafly maintains the world’s most accurate database of cannabis information, and it’s here at your fingertips. Think of us as your cannabis library. To get started, check out our Cannabis 101 page, which contains articles and how-to guides prepared by cannabis experts writing in plain English, not confusing jargon.
What Can I Buy in Nova Scotia?
Publicly-run stores will be allowed to sell a range of dried cannabis (aka flower or buds), pre-rolls, cannabis oils, capsules, and seeds for home growing. The province has supply deals with 13 licensed producers of cannabis. Edibles are not yet allowed, but are expected to enter the market nationwide in October 2019.
Will Nova Scotia Stores Be Open on Oct. 17?
Yes. The province’s nine cannabis retail store stores are scheduled to be open on Legalization Day.
Where Can I Buy It?
We’ve got an entire page devoted to bringing you up-to-the-minute information about the location and status of recreational cannabis stores: Recreational Stores in Nova Scotia.
All About Nova Scotia Online Sales
To repeat: The crown corporation will launch its online retail site, myNSLC.com/Cannabis, on Oct. 17. Here’s the catch: You can’t enter the web site without a special access code. And that code can only be obtained by showing up in person at any NSLC store (starting Oct. 17), presenting a valid ID confirming that you’re 19 or older, and accepting a special card. There is no cost to obtain the card.
Possession Limits in Nova Scotia
Those 19 and up can possess up to one ounce (30 grams) of dried cannabis in public.
Transporting Rules
Cannabis in any form cannot be used in vehicles by passengers or drivers. Rule of thumb: Keep it sealed and in the trunk.
Purchase Limits
Each customer is limited to the federal possession limit, which is 30 grams of dried cannabis, 30 cannabis seeds, or an equivalent amount of cannabis oil.
Can My Kids Enter the Store with Me?
No. In Nova Scotia, minors are prohibited.
Consumption Restrictions in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, consumption of cannabis in any form will be permitted anywhere tobacco smoking is permitted, including in private residences. Consumption is not permitted in a variety of places, however, such as daycares, preschools, schools, health-care facilities, libraries, art galleries, museums and more.
Home-grow Is Allowed
The federal Cannabis Act allows adults to cultivate up to four plants per residence, and the province of Nova Scotia is no different. However, landlords can limit cultivation be occupants, even under existing leases.
Crossing Provincial Borders
Can you transport cannabis from one province to another? Yes. But you must abide by the federal public possession limit, which is 30 grams of dried cannabis per person. Important: Do not attempt to transport cannabis across any international border. Cannabis is legal in Washington state, Vermont, Alaska, and Maine, but the border crossing is a federal zone. And cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States.
Can I Fly with Cannabis?
Yes, as long as you remain within Canada and abide by the possession limits of the departure province and the arrival province. But please be mindful. The fragrance of cannabis flower can be powerful, and not everybody enjoys it in the close confines of an airplane cabin.
The Cannabis Supply Chain in Nova Scotia
Like most other provinces, the Nova Scotia government will act as middle man through the NSLC. The organization will have retail stores across Nova Scotia and will also serve as the online portal for ordering recreational cannabis for delivery.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Laws
The Nova Scotia government passed the Cannabis Control Act which sets out the parameters of lawful sale, purchase and consumption of cannabis in the province.
RELATED STORY
Recreational Cannabis Stores in Nova Scotia
