Content Map Terms

Cannabis

Cannabis use in British Columbia

Learn how cannabis can impact the health of you and your family.

Download PDF

Last updated: August 29, 2024

Non-medical cannabis is legal in Canada.

There are many different views on cannabis. Some may find the transition to legalized cannabis in British Columbia challenging. There are some facts you should know that will help keep British Columbians safe. For information from the Government of British Columbia on cannabis legislation, regulations, impacts on travel, growing at home and more visit Government of British Columbia: Cannabis.

Cannabis can be used for medical or non-medical purposes. People may choose to use cannabis for its therapeutic effects. But it can also harm your health. Cannabis for medical purposes has been legal in Canada for several years.

Learn how cannabis can impact the health of you and your family.

Common Questions about Cannabis

Find answers to some of the most common questions about Cannabis. Learn how cannabis makes you feel, the health risks of consuming cannabis and safety considerations.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is also known as marijuana, pot or weed. The cannabis plant contains many chemical compounds, including cannabinoids. These chemicals may affect the brain and other parts of the body's nervous system. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids.

For more information about the cannabis plant and its components:

For information on cannabis edibles and vaping cannabis, visit the following webpages:

Safer and Responsible Use

Cannabis affects everyone in different ways. Understanding the health risks and potential benefits of cannabis and guidelines for safer use can help you make decisions that are right for you.

Canada's Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines provide 10 recommendations on safer cannabis use, if you choose to use cannabis. These recommendations focus on non-medical use of cannabis but should also be considered if you use cannabis for medical purposes.

The Government of Canada: FAQ Lower-risk cannabis use guidelines answers some of the most common questions about the Lower –Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG).

Using cannabis during pregnancy may affect your baby. For information about the health risks of using cannabis before or during pregnancy:

For more information about health risks and guidelines for safer use:

Talking About Substance Use with Your Family

Talking openly and honestly with your children and family about complex issues like substance use can help build positive connections and enhance resilience. Refer to our Parenting Articles for advice on having conversations with your family.

For more information and resources on how to talk to your family:

Cannabis for Medical Purposes

Cannabis can be used for medical purposes to help treat the symptoms of certain medical conditions. Cannabis for medical purposes has been legal in Canada for several years. The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations have had minor changes with the introduction of legalized non-medical cannabis.

Our health topic on Medical Cannabis provides information on what medical cannabis is, what it is used for and how it is used. We also provide information on some of the risks of medical cannabis and how you can reduce your risk.

If you are suffering from a serious or debilitating illness, live in Canada and have a medical doctor's support, you can apply for accessing cannabis for medical purposes from a licensed producer. 

To learn more, visit Health Canada: Medical use of cannabis, call the Office of Medical Cannabis at 1-866-337-7705 or speak with your health care provider.

Laws and Regulations on the Use of Non-Medical Cannabis in British Columbia

Understanding the laws and regulations for non-medical cannabis in Canada and British Columbia will help British Columbians stay safe. New laws are in place to improve safety. For example, changes to the Motor Vehicle Act give police more tools to remove impaired drivers from the road. 

Visit Government of British Columbia: Cannabis for information on the laws and regulations.

Useful Resources

Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Services

Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service (ADIRS) provides free, confidential information and referral services to British Columbians in need of support with any kind of substance use issue (alcohol or other drugs). Referral to community substance use treatment services is available for all ages.

Contact ADIRS toll-free at 1-800-663-1441, or in the lower mainland at 604-660-9382. Free, multilingual telephone help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre

If you think someone might have been poisoned by any substance, medicine or chemical, call the Poison Control Centre. The Poison Control line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911 (toll-free in B.C.) Telephone interpreting is available in over 150 languages.

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction provides evidence-based guidance to decision on substance use in Canada. Learn about discussing cannabis use, cannabis and youth, recent research on cannabis and more.

HeretoHelp

HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Seven leading mental health and addictions non-profit agencies work together to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems.