Cannabis Legislation and Law Enforcement in Saskatoon

"The purpose of the Cannabis Act is to protect health and public safety in particular, its purpose is to protect the health of young persons by restricting their access to cannabis, deter illicit activities related to cannabis, reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and enhance public awareness of the health risks associated with cannabis use."
Bill C-45 section 2.1.3, Purpose

Raw cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. The legalization of cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals followed on October 17, 2019.

Under Bill C-45 there are criminal sanctions for individuals who are found:

  • In possession of more than 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the related equivalent, in a public place
  • In possession of more than four plants which are not budding
  • Distributing cannabis without a licence
  • Distributing cannabis as a minor
  • Distributing cannabis to a minor
  • In possession cannabis for the purpose of distribution
  • Possessing, producing, selling, distributing or importing anything with the intent to use it to produce, sell or distribute illicit cannabis

For more information visit: Cannabis in Canada

Traffic

  • Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol of any amount for new drivers, and for those 21 and under
  • Cannabis can only be transported by vehicle from a legal place of purchase to legal place of consumption or from legal place of consumption to legal place of consumption
  • Under Bill C-46, police will have the authority to use Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST's), Drug Recognition Experts (DRE's) or federally-approved roadside drug screening devices for impaired driving, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a driver is impaired by a drug
    • Failure to comply will result in criminal charges which carry the same penalty as driving while impaired
  • If a motorist is a medical marihuana patient, they still are prohibited from operating a vehicle while impaired
  • If motorists are found to be under the influence of drugs, they face immediate roadside licence suspensions

Provincial Cannabis Act

  • Legal age in Saskatchewan for cannabis use is 19
  • Cannot possess more than 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the related equivalent, in a public place
  • Cannot possess illicit cannabis
  • Cannot have more than four plants total in a residence
  • No organization can possess cannabis – only individuals
  • No person shall possess, consume, or distribute cannabis in a vehicle
  • No individual shall consume cannabis in a public place
  • No individual shall consume cannabis at a school or on school grounds or at a childcare facility
  • Any police officer may arrest, without warrant, any person whom he or she finds committing an offence against this act or the regulations

For more information visit: Cannabis in Saskatchewan

Municipal

  • Cannabis regulations have been implemented by the City of Saskatoon
  • The Smoking Control Bylaw has been amended to include both recreational and medicinal marihuana; marihuana smoking or vaping is prohibited in public places such as restaurants, bars, parks and city-operated facilities like SaskTel Centre.
  • The City of Saskatoon is responsible for bylaw enforcement such as business location, licensing and determining places of consumption.

For more information, visit https://www.saskatoon.ca/engage/cannabis-regulations

Unlicensed Sellers

Unlicensed cannabis outlets, commonly known as "dispensaries" or "compassion clubs" are not licensed by Health Canada under the current law and are illegal. They are supplied by illegal growers and sell untested, unregulated products which may be unsafe.

The Saskatoon Police Service, along with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, will continue to enforce laws around unlicensed cannabis outlets.

Cannabis for Medical Use

Unless otherwise prescribed, the Cannabis Act does not apply to the consumption, possession, distribution, purchase or sale of cannabis for medical purposes that occurs in accordance with the requirements of the applicable federal law. (2018, cC-2.111, s1-4)

For more information visit: Medical Use of Cannabis