Camping with weed? 4 things you need to know

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For Canadians, dusting off boxes of gear marked “camping” and packing them into the car for a weekend in the woods is a rite of passage. Summer comes especially. Nature invites us to take full advantage of the sunshine and warm lakes in these months of fleeting warm weather.

Driving out of town and soaking in natural beauty provides instant relief from stress, but sometimes you need a little extra support from that old friend. Although weed is legal across the country, there are still some places (and people) who frown upon being hit and even get a whiff of the pot in public.

Small steps, right?

“Each province has its own set of guidelines to follow when it comes to consuming cannabis in Canadian parks,” explain Owen Allerton, co-owner of Highland Cannabis, Ontario-based retailer Kitchener.

“In general, cannabis use is acceptable in most front-country campsites and trails across Canada, but regulations vary from province to province.”

Allerton explains

Here are four things you should know about cannabis camping in Canada this summer:

You can smoke marijuana at most campgrounds in Parks Canada, but not in public areas

Smoking or using cannabis in the camp you booked through Canada Parks Totally legal. Smoked! This is because Parks Canada considers these registered sites to be private spaces; You can think of the designated area as your own backyard as you roll up or pack a bowl.

However, common spaces on Parks Canada grounds, such as restrooms, kitchen shelters, parking areas, roads, National Historic Sites, and playgrounds, are no-go areas for cannabis use.

Additionally, a certain number of Parks Canada campgrounds adhere to their own set of rules and can choose whether or not to allow 4/20 friendly activities, even at registered sites.

It’s kind of the same way some causes ban alcohol at different times of the year “in an effort to ensure that all visitors enjoy their stay,” said a Parks member. CBC.

Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have the most weed-friendly campgrounds

It should come as no surprise that Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are at the top of the list of the most weed-friendly camping sites in the country. All three counties have an abundance of amazing retail stores and campgrounds.

In fact, two-thirds of campgrounds in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario have embraced potting, according to Highland Cannabis research, and these three provinces have relatively relaxed rules when it comes to where you can get high and use grass when camping and hiking.

In Ontario, you can marijuana in public areas of Parks Canada such as day-use swimming holes and country trails, as well as registered campgrounds. But consumption in parks across Ontario is not permitted in public areas (bathrooms, for example) or within 20 meters of a playground.

British Columbia and Alberta follow similar standards. Day use areas, registered campgrounds, trails, and backcountry all get the green light to light up, but keep an eye on fire ratings before you go into these parts. BC has had its fair share of devastating wildfires and doesn’t want to be that jerk causing a fire by carelessly throwing butt into the woods.

Quebec and the prairies have the least weed-friendly camping options

Allerton says Quebec’s view of grasses, like that of prairie, is “a bit nervous.” “Although hemp is legal throughout the country, it is only legal in Quebec if you purchase it through the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC).”

Given these strict laws, it makes sense that the rules regarding the use of cannabis while camping in Quebec are also strict.

The only place you can smoke weed in Quebec is in some Parks Canada campgrounds while at your registered camp site; You may not smoke in any outdoor public place (camping or otherwise).

Fines for cannabis smoking offenses are hefty, ranging from $750 to $2,250 if caught breaking the rules.

You can legally carry 30 grams of dried herbs (or equivalent) on you at one time

When stocking up on wine for a camping weekend, you can have as much beer or wine as you like. With cannabis, boundaries work differently. In Canada, adults can consume up to “30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in undried form in public places,” according to the cannabis law.

The “equivalent” varies and depends on the method of consumption. For example, one gram of dried cannabis equals 15 grams of nutrient, which means you can legally carry 450 grams of your favorite gum. Concentrates, on the other hand, equal 0.25 grams of dried produce, so you can have 7.5 grams of solid or liquid concentrate on you at one time.

However, it is important to note that private campgrounds and different municipalities have different rules on how much you can carry and where you can use it. Do your research in the community and specific facilities before you go in order to avoid any confrontations.