Buying cannabis legally in Quebec
Last reviewed · Based on official government sources
Quebec has some of the strictest cannabis rules in Canada. The legal age is 21, the government-owned Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is the only legal retailer, growing cannabis at home is prohibited, and smoking cannabis is not allowed in public spaces. This guide summarizes the Gouvernement du Québec’s official overview.
Legal age
It is prohibited for anyone under 21 to have cannabis in Quebec. People under 21 may not be admitted to a cannabis store. It is also prohibited to sell cannabis to someone under 21, or for an adult to buy cannabis for someone under 21.
If you are visiting from another province where the age is 18 or 19, Quebec’s age of 21 applies while you are in Quebec.
Where to buy
Only the SQDC is authorized to sell cannabis at retail in Quebec, in its stores and online. No more than the equivalent of 30 grams of dried cannabis may be sold to a buyer in one visit.
The SQDC may sell dried and fresh cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabis resin, edible products and extracts, under the rules in force. Browse Quebec stores or see the Montreal guide.
Possession limits
- In public: up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent.
- At home: up to 150 grams per residence, no matter how many adults live there. One person also cannot have more than 150 grams in total across all places other than public places, including all of their residences.
Possession is also prohibited in certain places, including the grounds and buildings of preschools, schools and colleges, the buildings of universities (except student residences), child care centres and day care centres, and detention facilities.
No home growing
It is prohibited to grow cannabis for personal use in Quebec, and to have a cannabis plant for personal use.
Where you can use cannabis
Smoking or vaping cannabis is prohibited in all indoor or outdoor spaces open to the public, including public roads. Further restrictions apply in other places under the Cannabis Regulation Act, and municipalities can add their own. In practice, this leaves private spaces where smoking is allowed, subject to the rules of your lease or building.
Driving: zero tolerance
Quebec’s Highway Safety Code prohibits anyone from driving a road vehicle, or having care or control of one, if there is any detectable presence of cannabis or another drug in their saliva. This applies to all drivers, not only new or young drivers. Federal criminal impaired driving laws also apply. See cannabis, driving and work.
Work
Quebec’s Cannabis Regulation Act says an employer may regulate cannabis use as part of its management rights, and may even prohibit it entirely.
Medical cannabis
The Quebec government notes that, except for the rules on where cannabis can be used, only federal rules apply to medical cannabis.
A quick checklist for Quebec
- Be 21 or older, and bring valid photo ID.
- Buy only from the SQDC, in store or online. Any other seller is illegal.
- Carry no more than 30 grams in public, and keep no more than 150 grams per residence.
- Do not grow cannabis or keep a cannabis plant.
- Do not smoke or vape cannabis in any space open to the public, including streets.
- Do not drive with any detectable drug in your saliva.
- Do not take cannabis across the U.S. border or any other international border.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the legal age for cannabis in Quebec?
- 21. People under 21 may not have cannabis or be admitted to a cannabis store in Quebec.
- Can I grow cannabis at home in Quebec?
- No. Quebec prohibits growing cannabis for personal use and having a cannabis plant for personal use.
- How much cannabis can I keep at home in Quebec?
- Up to 150 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent per residence, regardless of how many adults live there.
- Can I smoke cannabis outside in Quebec?
- Not in public. Quebec prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in all indoor or outdoor spaces open to the public, including public roads. Municipalities can add their own rules.
- Is there zero tolerance for cannabis and driving in Quebec?
- Yes. Quebec’s Highway Safety Code prohibits driving, or having care or control of a vehicle, with any detectable presence of cannabis or another drug in your saliva. This applies to all drivers.
In our directory
Sources
Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.
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