What is the legal age to buy cannabis in Vancouver?

19, the legal age set by British Columbia.

How much cannabis can I carry in Vancouver?

Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in public. A household can keep up to 1,000 grams at home.

Can licensed stores in Vancouver deliver?

Licensed private retailers may deliver, and the government sells online. The B.C. government says legal stores may only ship within B.C.

Can I smoke cannabis on Vancouver beaches?

No. The Vancouver Park Board bylaw prohibits smoking and vaping in parks, on beaches and on the seawall. The minimum fine is $250.

Buying cannabis legally in Vancouver

Last reviewed October 25, 2026 · Based on official government sources

Vancouver has both government-run BC Cannabis Stores and licensed private stores. The city also has its own rules about where people can smoke, which are stricter than B.C.’s in some places.

Cannabis rules in Vancouver come mainly from the Government of British Columbia and federal law. This guide summarizes them and links to the official sources. For more detail, see Buying cannabis legally in British Columbia.

Our directory lists 87 licensed cannabis stores in Vancouver, from official registry data. See all Vancouver dispensaries.

Who can sell cannabis legally

The Government of B.C. says non-medical cannabis may only be sold by licensed private retailers and government-operated BC Cannabis Stores, including the government’s online store. Legal stores may only ship within B.C. A legal store displays the “Licensed Cannabis Retailer” decal, and legal products carry a green B.C. excise stamp.

The province warns that online sellers with no licensed physical store, no age verification, payment only by e-transfer or cryptocurrency, or shipping outside B.C. are signs of an illegal seller.

Age and possession limits

You must be 19 or older to buy, have or use non-medical cannabis, and to enter a cannabis store.
Adults can have up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in public, and buy up to 30 grams in one transaction.
A household can have up to 1,000 grams at home and grow up to four plants.

Where you can use cannabis

B.C. generally allows smoking or vaping cannabis where tobacco is allowed, but not at playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks and pools; in municipal, regional and provincial parks (except designated campsites and areas); on or near school property; inside public buildings or workplaces or within 6 metres of their doorways, open windows or air intakes; or within 6 metres of bus stops, transit shelters, train stations and ferry docks.

Landlords and strata corporations can restrict smoking and growing.

Vancouver’s parks, beaches and seawall

The Vancouver Park Board’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw prohibits smoking and vaping, including cannabis, in all city parks, on beaches and on the seawall, and in vehicles in parks. The City of Vancouver says the minimum fine is $250.

Vehicles and driving

It is illegal to consume cannabis in a vehicle, as a driver or passenger. Cannabis in a vehicle must be in its original, unopened packaging or out of reach of everyone in the vehicle. Drivers in B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program have zero tolerance for THC, and other drivers can face an immediate 90-day driving prohibition based on blood THC levels, in addition to criminal charges.

A quick checklist for Vancouver

Be 19 or older, and bring valid photo ID.
Buy only from a BC Cannabis Store, the government’s online store, or a store showing the “Licensed Cannabis Retailer” decal.
Check for the green B.C. excise stamp.
Carry no more than 30 grams in public.
Keep cannabis out of parks, beaches and areas near schools, playgrounds and transit stops.
Never use cannabis in a vehicle, and never drive impaired.

Using our Vancouver store list

Our Vancouver page gives an overview with a map, and the full Vancouver dispensary list shows every licensed cannabis store we have on record in the city, taken from British Columbia’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 Vancouver?: 19, the legal age set by British Columbia.
How much cannabis can I carry in Vancouver?: Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent, in public. A household can keep up to 1,000 grams at home.
Can licensed stores in Vancouver deliver?: Licensed private retailers may deliver, and the government sells online. The B.C. government says legal stores may only ship within B.C.
Can I smoke cannabis on Vancouver beaches?: No. The Vancouver Park Board bylaw prohibits smoking and vaping in parks, on beaches and on the seawall. The minimum fine is $250.

In our directory

Sources

Facts in this guide were taken from these official sources, checked October 25, 2026.

Related guides

Buying cannabis legally in British Columbia

B.C. cannabis rules explained: legal age, government and private stores, purchase and home limits, where you can consume, vehicles and driving.

How to tell a licensed cannabis store from an illegal one

Official ways to check that a cannabis store or website is licensed in your province, and the warning signs governments say point to an illegal seller.

Where you can use cannabis: public places, rentals and vehicles

How the rules on where adults can use cannabis differ across Canada: public places, homes, landlords and condos, hotels, vehicles and boats.

The cannabis excise stamp and legal packaging

What the provincial cannabis excise stamp is, what legal packaging must look like, and the packaging features that point to an illegal product.

Travelling with cannabis: within Canada and at the border

What official sources say about carrying cannabis within Canada, flying domestically, and why taking cannabis across any international border is illegal.

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