Under Canada's federal rules, an adult can carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, or the equivalent in other forms, in public. In New Brunswick you must be 19 or older to buy, possess or use cannabis. At Saint John Bud Express we get this question from customers across Saint John, so here is a plain overview of what the limit means in practice.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change and can differ by province and municipality. Always check the current federal and New Brunswick rules before relying on anything here.
What does "30 grams" actually mean?
The federal limit is about public possession: what you have on you when you are out, in a car or anywhere outside your home. It is measured as dried cannabis or its equivalent.
To put 30 grams in perspective, it is a little over one ounce. Our piece on how many grams are in an ounce explains the common sizes, like eighths and quarters.
How do other forms count toward the limit?
Because not everything is dried flower, the federal rules set out equivalents so different products can be compared to the 30 gram limit. In general terms:
- Dried flower counts gram for gram.
- Fresh cannabis counts for much less per gram, because it is heavy with water.
- Concentrates and extracts, such as vape oil, hash and shatter, count for much more per gram, because they are so much stronger.
- Edibles and beverages have their own equivalents based on weight or volume.
- Seeds and plants have their own rules.
The exact equivalents are set out by Health Canada, and they are worth looking up directly if you carry concentrates or edibles. A small amount of concentrate can count for a lot more than it looks.
Does the limit apply at home?
The 30 gram figure is a public possession limit. Rules for what you keep at home are different and can vary by province. Check the current New Brunswick rules if you want to know what applies in your home.
What other rules should you know about?
Age. You must be 19 or older in New Brunswick. Expect to be asked for ID when you buy, so keep it handy. Our cash on delivery guide explains how a delivery handoff works.
Where you can use it. Provinces and cities set rules on where cannabis can be consumed. Public spaces, parks, vehicles and areas around schools are commonly restricted. Check the current provincial rules and any Saint John bylaws before lighting up outside your home.
Never drive high. Driving while impaired by cannabis is a criminal offence in Canada, and police can test for drug impairment. Plan a ride, wait it out, or stay home. This applies to edibles too, which can last for hours.
Carrying it in a car. Even as a passenger, keep cannabis sealed and out of reach. Provincial rules on how cannabis must be transported can be strict, so check them.
Crossing borders. Taking cannabis across the Canadian border, in either direction, is illegal, even to or from places where it is legal. Leave it at home when you travel.
Sharing. Sharing with other adults is generally treated differently from selling, and sharing with anyone under 19 is a serious offence.
Where can you find the official rules?
The most reliable sources are the Government of Canada's cannabis pages and the Government of New Brunswick's cannabis information. Our own New Brunswick cannabis rules and ID guide collects the buyer-side basics in one place, but the official pages are the final word.
The Bottom Line
The federal public possession limit is 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent, and in New Brunswick you need to be 19 or older. Check the current rules, keep it sealed in the car and never drive high. When you are ready to order, read how our Saint John weed delivery works and browse the shop.
