Your guide to legalized cannabis in Quebec

How much will cost? Where are the stores? What are the rules? We've got your answers here

CBC News

Here's an artist's rendition of a Quebec cannabis store, which will be operated by the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), an offshoot of the province's liquor board, the SAQ. (SQDC)

The big day is quickly approaching. On Wednesday, Oct. 17, recreational cannabis will be available for purchase in Quebec.

Here is a breakdown of how it works in Quebec — for now. This story will be updated as we learn more about the plans of the incoming Coalition Avenir Québec government, which wants to impose stricter rules around the legalization of cannabis.

Where will it be sold?

Cannabis for recreational purposes will be available only at the newly formed, government-run Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC), an offshoot of the province's liquor board, the SAQ.
The SQDC is set to open 11 locations on Wednesday across the province, including three in Montreal. The three Montreal locations are:

• 970 Ste-Catherine Street West, near the corner of Peel Street.
• 9250 Acadie Boulevard.
• 6872 St-Hubert Street.

The SQDC is expected to open three more stores (one of them in Montreal) across the province by the end of the month. A complete list of locations is available here. There are plans to open between 150 and 160 stores in the next two to three years.

Cannabis will also be available for purchase online starting on Wednesday at SAQ.com.

What can I buy?

Stores and online vendors will offer dried cannabis (whole and ground), pre-rolled joints, oil and oral spray as well as THC and CBD gel capsules. The SQDC has contracts with six producers certified by the federal government.

Edibles won't be available as they aren't part of the federal government's initial legalization plan.

How much will it cost?

The SQDC hasn't announced detailed pricing. But a lot of a products will be available at $7 per gram, a spokesperson said.

Individuals are not allowed to have more than 150 grams in their homes. Sales will be restricted to 30 grams at a time.

How old do I have to be?

You need to be 18, for now.

The incoming CAQ government is promising to raise the age to 21, but it won't have time to change the law before cannabis is legal. The CAQ has said it will make the change as soon as possible but has not provided a clear timeline as to when that will be.

The CAQ was critical of the plan to set the legal age at 18 from the start, citing various medical groups whose research has concluded cannabis use can harm brain development in those under 25.

Can I grow it myself?

No. Quebecers won't be allowed to grow marijuana plants at home, even though the federal law allows Canadians to have up to four plants at home for their personal use.

Where can't I smoke it?

A lot of places. Smoking cannabis will be prohibited in the same locations as those set out by tobacco laws, as well as on the grounds of universities and CEGEPs, hospitals and schools.

The incoming CAQ government wants to go even further, banning the drug in all public places. Dozens of towns and cities across the province have already announced such a ban, including, most recently, Quebec City.

The City of Montreal will follow the current provincial law on cannabis. But the boroughs of Saint-Laurent, Saint-Léonard, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Montreal North and Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, all governed by the city's opposition party, Ensemble Montréal, are planning to ban smoking cannabis in public places.

Some of the boroughs, including Saint-Laurent, plan to go further and ban the consumption of all cannabis derivatives.

Those who don't follow the rules will be handed a ticket by police.

What about apartments and condos?

Some Quebec landlords and condo owners have banned smoking cannabis in their rental properties. A poll conducted recently by the landlords association suggested a majority of its members anticipate tenants will complain about marijuana smoke.

A majority also indicated they plan to prohibit smoking marijuana inside their buildings. Some condo associations, as well, have introduced bans.

What are the rules for driving?

There will be zero tolerance for drivers. Police officers will be able to ask for a saliva sample if they suspect someone is driving while high and will be able to suspend a driver's licence for 90 days if a sample comes back positive.

In Montreal, almost 2,000 officers have been trained on roadside detection tests. There are between 500 to 600 left to train.

If an officer pulls someone over and suspects the person is impaired, but not by alcohol, the person is sent to be evaluated by another, more specialized officer.