Buying cannabis legally in Ontario
Last reviewed · Based on official government sources
Ontario has the largest number of licensed cannabis stores in Canada. The province uses a mixed system: private stores licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) sell in person, and the government-owned Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is the only legal online retailer and the wholesaler that supplies the stores. Here is what the Government of Ontario and the AGCO say about buying and using cannabis legally.
Legal age and limits
- You must be 19 or older to buy, use, have or grow recreational cannabis.
- You can have up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in public, and buy up to 30 grams at a time.
- You can grow up to four plants per residence (not per person), for personal use, using starting material bought from the OCS or an authorized store, unless your lease or condo rules forbid it.
Where to buy
The Government of Ontario says you can buy recreational cannabis:
- online through the Ontario Cannabis Store at OCS.ca;
- in person at an authorized private retail store.
Authorized stores must display the official cannabis retail seal. The province points shoppers to the AGCO’s official list of authorized stores. Every Ontario store on this site comes from that registry; browse Ontario stores or start with a city such as Toronto or Ottawa.
Buying from anywhere else is illegal. Ontario says buying from an unauthorized seller can lead to a fine of up to $100,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Delivery and curbside pickup
Licensed stores may offer delivery and curbside pickup under AGCO rules. Delivery must be done by the store’s own licence holder or employees, only to a residence or other private place in Ontario, only to someone 19 or older, and only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. ID must be shown if the person appears under 25. Curbside pickup must take place next to the store in an area covered by its video surveillance. OCS deliveries need age verification and are not left at the door. See legal delivery and online ordering.
Where you can and cannot use cannabis
Ontario allows smoking or vaping cannabis in many of the same places as tobacco, including private residences (but not residences that are also workplaces, such as long-term care and retirement homes), many outdoor public places like sidewalks and parks, designated hotel rooms, and qualifying residential vehicles and boats, such as a parked motor home being used as a residence.
You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in, among other places:
- indoor common areas of condos and apartment buildings;
- enclosed public places and enclosed workplaces;
- schools and school grounds, and within 20 metres of them;
- children’s playgrounds and within 20 metres;
- child care centres;
- within 9 metres of a hospital entrance or exit;
- publicly owned sports fields and within 20 metres;
- restaurant and bar patios and within 9 metres;
- sheltered areas such as bus shelters.
Municipal bylaws, landlords, condo boards and employers can add further restrictions. See where you can use cannabis.
Cannabis in vehicles and driving
You cannot use cannabis in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or will be driven. When transporting cannabis, it must be in its original, unopened packaging, or packed in baggage and not readily available to anyone in the vehicle.
Ontario has zero tolerance for cannabis for drivers aged 21 and under, novice drivers with G1, G2, M1 or M2 licences, and drivers of commercial vehicles that need an A–F licence or a CVOR. Penalties for drug-impaired driving can include an immediate licence suspension, fines, vehicle impoundment, a criminal record and jail. The province notes there is no way to know exactly how long to wait before driving after using cannabis. See cannabis, driving and work.
Products and packaging
Products sold in Ontario follow federal rules: edibles may contain no more than 10 mg of THC per package, and extracts and topicals no more than 1,000 mg per package. Products cannot be packaged to appeal to young people or make health claims. Adults may make their own edibles at home for personal use, but selling homemade edibles is illegal.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy cannabis online in Ontario?
- Yes, but only from the Ontario Cannabis Store at OCS.ca. Licensed stores may also deliver orders placed with that specific store, under AGCO rules.
- Can I smoke cannabis in a park in Ontario?
- Provincial law allows smoking or vaping cannabis in many outdoor public places, including many parks, but not on or within 20 metres of playgrounds, publicly owned sports fields or school grounds. Municipal bylaws can add restrictions.
- Is there a zero-tolerance rule for young drivers in Ontario?
- Yes. Drivers aged 21 and under, novice drivers with G1, G2, M1 or M2 licences, and certain commercial drivers may not have any cannabis in their system.
In our directory
Sources
Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.
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