Buying cannabis legally in Montreal
Last reviewed · Based on official government sources
Quebec’s cannabis system is different from the rest of Canada: the legal age is 21, the government-owned SQDC is the only retailer, and smoking cannabis in public is prohibited. Visitors to Montreal from other provinces are often surprised by these rules.
Cannabis rules in Montreal come mainly from the Government of Quebec and federal law. This guide summarizes them and links to the official sources. For more detail, see Buying cannabis legally in Quebec.
Our directory lists 18 licensed cannabis stores in Montreal, from official registry data. See all Montreal dispensaries.
Who can sell cannabis legally
Only the Société québécoise du cannabis (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. There are no private cannabis stores in Quebec, so any other seller is operating illegally.
Age and possession limits
- You must be 21 or older to buy or have cannabis, or to enter an SQDC store. This applies to visitors from provinces with a lower age.
- Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in public.
- Up to 150 grams per residence, no matter how many adults live there.
- Growing cannabis for personal use, and having a cannabis plant, are prohibited.
Where you can use cannabis
Quebec prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in all indoor or outdoor spaces open to the public, including public roads. Possession is also prohibited on the grounds and in the buildings of preschools, schools and colleges, in university buildings (except student residences), and in child care centres. Municipalities can add their own rules. In practice, this leaves private spaces where smoking is allowed, subject to your lease or building rules.
Driving: zero tolerance
Quebec’s Highway Safety Code prohibits driving a road vehicle, or having care or control of one, with any detectable presence of cannabis or another drug in your saliva. This applies to all drivers. Federal impaired driving laws also apply.
A quick checklist for Montreal
- Be 21 or older, and bring valid photo ID.
- Buy only from the SQDC, in store or online.
- Carry no more than 30 grams in public, and keep no more than 150 grams per residence.
- Do not smoke or vape cannabis in any space open to the public, including streets.
- Do not grow cannabis.
- Do not drive with any detectable drug in your saliva.
Using our Montreal store list
Our Montreal page gives an overview with a map, and the full Montreal dispensary list shows every licensed cannabis store we have on record in the city, taken from Quebec’s official licensing data. Each listing shows the store’s address and, where we have them, hours and contact details. There is also a page for stores that have confirmed delivery.
We do not rank stores, review them, or recommend products. Some listings may be paid placements; these are always labelled “Sponsored.” Licences can change, so if you want to be certain, confirm a store against the official provincial list before you visit. See how to read a store listing.
Visiting from outside Canada
If you are visiting, remember that it is illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s international borders in either direction, even to a place where it is legal. Do not try to take cannabis home with you. See travelling with cannabis and the first-time visitor FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the legal age to buy cannabis in Montreal?
- 21, the legal age set by Quebec.
- Are there private cannabis stores in Montreal?
- No. Only the SQDC is authorized to sell cannabis at retail in Quebec, in its stores and online.
- Can I grow cannabis at home in Montreal?
- No. Quebec prohibits growing cannabis for personal use and having a cannabis plant for personal use.
- Can I smoke cannabis on the street in Montreal?
- No. Quebec prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis in all indoor or outdoor spaces open to the public, including public roads.
In our directory
Sources
Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.
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