Cannabis and driving in Canada: the law
Impaired-driving rules, THC limits, and penalties for driving after cannabis use in Canada.
Driving after using cannabis is a criminal offence in Canada, and enforcement is serious. Legalization didn’t change that. If anything, it sharpened the focus.
The legal limits
Canada sets per se THC limits in the blood, with escalating penalties:
- 2 to under 5 ng of THC per mL of blood: a less serious offence, but still punishable by fine.
- 5 ng or more: a serious criminal offence.
- THC combined with alcohol: separate, stricter combined limits apply.
Police can demand roadside oral-fluid testing and standardized field sobriety tests where impairment is suspected.
Penalties
Consequences scale with the offence and any prior record, and can include fines, licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges. A criminal record for impaired driving carries long-term consequences, including travel restrictions.
The practical advice
THC impairment can last hours and varies by person, product, and dose. There’s no reliable “wait this long” rule. So the only safe approach is the simple one: don’t drive after using cannabis. Plan another way home.
Sources
- Government of Canada, Cannabis and driving
Frequently asked questions
What's the legal THC limit for driving in Canada?
It's a criminal offence to drive with 2 ng/mL of THC in your blood or more, with steeper penalties at 5 ng/mL, plus zero-tolerance rules for young and novice drivers.
How long should I wait to drive after cannabis?
Longer than you'd think. Impairment can last well beyond the obvious high, and edibles last longest. There's no safe quick number; if unsure, don't drive.
Can I be charged even if I don't feel impaired?
Yes. The blood-THC thresholds are offences in themselves, and police can test at the roadside. Feeling fine isn't a legal defence.
Can a passenger use cannabis in the car?
No. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle is prohibited, the same way open alcohol is.
Know your local rules
Legal age, where to buy, and where you can use it all change by province.
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