Buying cannabis legally in Atlantic Canada
Last reviewed · Based on official government sources
The four Atlantic provinces all set the legal age at 19, but they sell cannabis in different ways. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island sell through government-run retailers, while Newfoundland and Labrador has licensed private stores with government online sales. All four restrict where cannabis may be used more tightly than some other provinces. Here is a province-by-province summary from official sources.
New Brunswick
- The legal age to buy, have, grow or use cannabis is 19.
- The Government of New Brunswick says Cannabis NB stores and Cannabis NB approved retailers are the only legal retailers.
- Under the province’s Cannabis Control Act, adults may only consume cannabis in a private dwelling with the owner’s or occupant’s consent, on vacant land with the owner’s or occupant’s consent, or in places set by regulation.
- Cannabis kept in a private dwelling must be stored in a secure space that people under 19 cannot get to.
Browse New Brunswick stores.
Nova Scotia
- The legal age to use, buy, grow or have cannabis is 19.
- The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is the only authorized retailer of recreational cannabis, at designated stores and online. Buying from anywhere else can lead to a fine of at least $600.
- You can have up to 30 grams in public. There is no limit on how much you keep at home for personal use. Adults can grow up to four plants per household; each apartment counts as a separate household.
- The Smoke-free Places Act applies to smoking cannabis in public places, with fines of up to $2,000. Municipalities may add bylaws, and landlords may make rules about smoking or growing.
- Cannabis cannot be used in vehicles by drivers or passengers. When transported, it must be in a closed, sealed package and out of reach of anyone in the vehicle.
Browse Nova Scotia stores, including Halifax.
Prince Edward Island
- The legal age is 19, the same as for alcohol and tobacco.
- Health Canada lists PEI as having government in-person and online sales, through the provincial Cannabis Management Corporation.
- You can consume cannabis in a private home and the yard attached to it, and on vacant land with the owner’s consent. A hotel room, RV or tent can count as a private dwelling if the operator allows it.
- You cannot consume cannabis in the workplace or on public property. The general fine for breaking provincial cannabis rules is $200 to $400, and $400 to $700 for a repeat offence.
- Cannabis at home must be kept where no one under 19 who lives there can get to it. There is no limit on purchased cannabis kept at home, and a household can grow up to four plants.
Browse Prince Edward Island stores.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- The minimum age to buy or have cannabis is 19.
- Non-medical cannabis can only be bought at stores licensed through the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC), or online through the NLC’s web portal. Buying or selling outside the licensed system is illegal.
- You can consume cannabis in a private dwelling or the yard attached to it. Hotels and landlords may allow it in rooms and units, but not in common areas. You cannot consume cannabis in a public place, a motor vehicle or a boat.
- A private dwelling can have up to four plants, grown indoors or in a secure building such as a shed. Growing outdoors is not permitted.
- In a vehicle, cannabis must be in its original sealed container, or stored where no one in the vehicle can reach it.
- Novice drivers, drivers under 22 and commercial drivers may not have any detectable THC.
Browse Newfoundland and Labrador stores, including St. John’s.
A quick checklist for Atlantic Canada
- Be 19 or older, and bring valid photo ID.
- Buy only from the authorized retailer in that province, such as the NSLC in Nova Scotia or Cannabis NB in New Brunswick, or an NLC-licensed store in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Carry no more than 30 grams in public.
- Plan to use cannabis on private property, not in public.
- Keep cannabis sealed and out of reach in a vehicle, and never use it in one.
- Store it where people under 19 cannot get to it; New Brunswick and PEI make this a legal requirement.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I buy cannabis in Nova Scotia?
- Only from the NSLC, at designated stores or online. The NSLC is the only authorized retailer of recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia.
- Can I smoke cannabis in a hotel room on PEI?
- Yes, if the hotel operator allows it. PEI includes hotel rooms in its definition of a private dwelling, but the operator can prohibit consumption in its rental terms.
- Can I grow cannabis outdoors in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- No. Plants must be grown indoors at your home or in a secure adjacent building such as a shed.
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Sources
Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.
- Government of New Brunswick: Cannabis
- New Brunswick: Cannabis Control Act (SNB 2018, c.2)
- Government of Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia's cannabis laws
- Government of PEI: Using cannabis on PEI
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Cannabis FAQ
- Health Canada: Authorized cannabis retailers in the provinces and territories
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