Residents
Smoking Control Bylaw No. 1187, 2016
Zoning Bylaw Amendment No. 1228, 2018
Visitors
Visitors to Ucluelet have a responsibility to understand federal, provincial and municipal regulations regarding cannabis use and possession.
Please check with your accommodation provider’s policies if you intend to use non-medical cannabis during your stay.
Travelling with cannabis across Canada’s border is, and will remain illegal. This will be the case even if you are travelling to places that have legalized or decriminalized cannabis. Transporting cannabis used for medical purposes will also remain illegal.
Cannabis and International Travel including travel to the US
Canada Border Services Agency - Cannabis Legalization
Watch the Canada Border Services Agency Video - Cannabis and the Border: Don't Travel With It
Pet Owners
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has issued a statement explaining that exposing pets to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis, such as that found in cannabis used recreationally, could be life threatening for pets, requiring immediate veterinary care. Signs of excess cannabis exposure in pets include:
• Sleepiness
• Dilated pupils
• Bloodshot eyes
• Low body temperature
• Wobbling, pacing and agitation
• Sound or light sensitivity
• Inappropriate urination
Pets may inadvertently ingest cannabis that has been dropped on the ground (e.g. from discarded butts) or left out on a table or countertop.
Cannabis of any type is not approved for medical use in animals due to a lack of evidence about safe, effective dosages.
Unused cannabis or cannabis packaging should be disposed of safely to prevent harm to pets and wildlife.
Smoking in Public
Provincial law regulates smoking cannabis in public. The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act prohibits cannabis smoking and vaping everywhere tobacco smoking and vaping are prohibited, as well as at playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, and other places where children commonly gather.
Ucluelet Smoking Control Bylaw No. 1187, 2016 bans the smoking or vaping of tobacco, cannabis and other substances in parks, playgrounds, beaches, trails or other public places, within 8m of a building opening or customer service area, and restaurants. The Bylaw enacts a $50 fine for non-compliance.
Don’t Drive High
Cannabis affects the ability to drive safely. This includes:
• The ability to stay in lane
• The ability to concentrate and react to general driving situations
• The ability to respond to situations that might require sudden braking, or adjustments to speed and following distances
Driving high can result in injury, accidents and even death. It is illegal to drive while impaired and if found guilty, could result in a criminal record, and loss of your driving licence.
New legislation for drug-impaired driving came into force in June 2018, and authorises police to use additional screening tools and blood testing.
Canadian Public Health Association: Pot and Driving FAQ
Home Cultivation
On October 17th, 2018, subject to provincial laws, adults who are 19 years of age or older will be able to grow, from licensed seed, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Adults will be able to make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products.
Information on safe growing methods can be found in the Government Information Bulletin: safety and security considerations when producing cannabis for your own medical purposes.
The provincial Cannabis Control and Licensing Act authorizes adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, but the plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property. Home cultivation will be banned in homes used as day-cares. Seeds for cultivation must be bought from a licenced non-medical cannabis retail store. Cannabis seedlings will not be available.
Additionally, home cultivation may still be prohibited or subject to additional restrictions by landlords and strata corporations under the Strata Property Act, Residential Tenancy Act, and the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.
Tenants and owners of strata properties should consult strata bylaws and refer to tenancy agreements to determine if they are permitted to cultivate cannabis.