The buying and selling of cannabis was legalized in Canada by the federal cannabis act of 17th October 2018. However, individuals are allowed to buy from only authorized dealers. To sell and distribute cannabis in Canada, you have to obtain a license from the health minister.
Canada is a federal state with a parliamentary system. So there are differences across provinces. A company called SQDC (Société Quebecoise du Cannabis) is in charge of the sale in Quebec. It’s a subsidiary of a company that makes alcohol in the country. Although it is a government agency, it functions like any other private merchant, allowing customers to place orders online with total trust.
Buying from Black Market Vs. Official Market
The black market continues to account for the majority of sales. However, there is a definite trend: the younger the customer, the more likely they would use the black market. According to Canada’s Statistics Agency, the percentage of 15 to 24-year-olds who used marijuana in the third quarter of 2019 was about 60%. The SQDC estimates that these percentages would approach 80 percent in Quebec.
There are a variety of factors contributing to these results. Cannabis consumers worldwide attest to the great benefits of buying cannabis from official stores; The sellers know the items well, and the products are also quality-controlled. On the other hand, these shops are frequently short on inventory and charge far higher prices than unlicensed vendors.
Furthermore, according to Statistics Canada, the legal market’s average price per gram is 10.23 Canadian dollars, while the black market’s average price is 5.59 Canadian dollars. The higher prices found in official stores are largely explained by the demanding and expensive food safety process.
Where to Buy Legal Cannabis in Some Canadian Province
Every province has laws and specified official retail stores for buying and selling cannabis. These dispensaries are the only places to get marijuana without breaking the law. Stores that have been certified by the government are often marked with a seal that is displayed in their windows. Cannabis is commonly sold in either a government-controlled retail shop or a privately owned dispensary in almost every province.
- Ontario: The official province of Ontario’s regulated retail cannabis industry officially opened its doors on 1st April 2019. Retail outlets are permitted to sell flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oils, capsules, and edibles, as well as cannabis-infused products. Prices vary from $7.95 and $13.25 per gram of marijuana.
- Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation is the sole retailer of legally obtained cannabis in the province of Nova Scotia. Their website lists all retail locations. The “core” or “premium” cannabis they’ve advertised costs around $10.99 per gram.
- Quebec: More than 40 cannabis shops have been opened by the SQDC in Quebec. The SQDC is currently delivering via Canada Post. With all applicable taxes included, the price per gram is around $5.25.
- British Colombia: Licensed producers and retailers, such as TopShelfBC and privately operated dispensaries, sell all of the province’s legal marijuana. Pre-rolls, dried buds, oils, and capsules cost around $6.99 to $16.28 per gram.
Last Words
Buying cannabis is not difficult if you live in Canada, as long as you meet the legal age requirements. Most of the retail locations in many provinces offer online sales, too; you can order cannabis from the comfort of your home. If you have trouble finding an official retailer in your locality, reach out to the authorities. Whatever be the case, we recommend you stick to official dealers because they are subject to government regulations are their products are quality controlled.