Cannabis will be legal for adults throughout Canada starting on Oct. 17, 2018. You have questions, we have answers: Where to buy it, which stores are open, age limits, purchase limits, what’s actually on the shelves, where it’s legal to consume, and more.
Retail Sales in Northwest Territories
Cannabis will be sold within five existing liquor stores by the NWT Liquor Commission.
The same government-run organization will also sell non-medical cannabis to residents of Northwest Territories via an online store. According to government officials, a gram of cannabis in the NWT will cost between $8.21 and $14.55.
Legal Age in Northwest Territories: 19
Each province sets its own legal age, as with alcohol. In Northwest Territories, the minimum age for purchase and possession is set at 19.
I’m New to Cannabis. Help!
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What Can I Buy in Northwest Territories?
One publicly-run stores will be allowed to sell a range of dried cannabis (aka flower or buds), pre-rolls, cannabis oils, capsules, and seeds for home growing. The province has supply deals with six licensed producers of cannabis. Edibles are not yet allowed, but are expected to enter the market nationwide in October 2019.
Will Northwest Territories Stores Be Open on Oct. 17?
Yes. Cannabis will be sold within five existing liquor stores.
Where Can I Buy It?
Starting October 17, 2018 you will be able to buy it at five NWT liquor stores or online via the NWT Liquor & Cannabis Commission website. The stores are in Norman Wells, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife. We have them all listed, with their addresses, in this article: Recreational Cannabis Stores in NWT.
The liquor store in Inuvik will not be selling cannabis.
Possession Limits in Northwest Territories
Those 19 and up can possess up to one ounce (30 grams) of dried cannabis in public.
Transporting Rules
Cannabis in any form cannot be used in vehicles by passengers or drivers.
Purchase Limits
Each customer is limited to the federal possession limit, which is 30 grams of dried cannabis, 30 cannabis seeds, or an equivalent amount of cannabis oil.
Can My Kids Enter the Store with Me?
Yes, minors can enter the marijuana sections of NWT liquor stores only when accompanied by an adult.
Consumption Restrictions in Northwest Territories
In Northwest Territories, consumption of cannabis will be permitted on private property where smoking is allowed, on trails or roadways, and in parks when not in use for a public event. Consumption around children in public spaces is prohibited.
Home-grow Is Allowed
The federal Cannabis Act allows adults to cultivate up to four plants per residence, and the Northwest Territories is no different.
Crossing Provincial Borders
Can you transport cannabis from one province to another? Yes. But you must abide by the federal public possession limit, which is 30 grams of dried cannabis per person. Important: Do not attempt to transport cannabis across any international border. Cannabis is legal in Washington state, Vermont, Alaska, and Maine, but the border crossing is a federal zone. And cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States.
Can I Fly with Cannabis?
Yes, as long as you remain within Canada and abide by the possession limits of the departure province and the arrival province. But please be mindful. The fragrance of cannabis flower can be powerful, and not everybody enjoys it in the close confines of an airplane cabin.
Cannabis Supply Chain in Northwest Territories
Like most other provinces, the Northwest Territories will act as middleman through the NWT Liquor & Cannabis Commission. The government will also be responsible for online sales. The NWT government is relying on three cannabis supply companies for their product: Aurora Cannabis Inc., High Park Company and Cannabis Growth Corp. The government has purchased 30 kilograms of weed in anticipation of legalization. They were unable to provide the cost.
The Northwest Territories Provincial Laws
The NWT government passed the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act, which sets out the parameters of lawful sale, purchase and consumption of cannabis there.
Municipalities Can Set Caps on Cannabis Stores in Northwest Territories
There will only be six liquor stores selling cannabis to start, and municipalities can set caps on cannabis stores.
