Higher Fines, New Offences Support Safe, Legal Cannabis Market

Higher fines and new offences are now in effect as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect Nova Scotians and support a safe, regulated cannabis market.

“Nova Scotia’s approach to cannabis regulation is squarely focused on public health and safety, especially for our youth,” said Scott Armstrong, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “These changes reinforce that buying and selling cannabis outside the legal market is against the law. They will help protect young people while supporting the safe, legal market for adults who choose to use cannabis.”

In Nova Scotia, cannabis can be purchased legally only through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. (NSLC). The higher fines and new offences are intended to discourage illegal sales.

Examples of increased fines include:

• a range of $250 to $500 for a person under 19 who possesses cannabis
• $600 to $5,000 for purchasing cannabis anywhere other than the NSLC
• $5,000 to $25,000 for an individual selling cannabis illegally
• $15,000 to $50,000 for a business selling cannabis illegally.

It is now an offence for illegal cannabis sellers to advertise or promote cannabis sales and for landlords to allow cannabis sales on their property. Those offences carry a fine of $25,000.

There is also a new fine for illegal sales of at least one kilogram of cannabis – twice the amount of tax that would have been paid on the legal sale. This fine works out to $3,680 per kilogram.

The fines and offences are among changes to the Cannabis Control Act passed during the spring legislature sitting and proclaimed today, June 25. The legislation is supported by new regulations.

Quotes:

“At IWK Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program, we see, first-hand, the impact of high-potency cannabis on youth mental health. Young people themselves are raising concerns about the serious mental health risks of high-potency cannabis, including psychosis, and the easy access to illegal cannabis products. We must strengthen measures that reduce youth access, promote safer use and prevent harm through collaboration among healthcare providers, families, educators, communities, government and youth.”
— Dr. Sabina Abidi, Associate Chief, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, IWK Health Mental Health and Addictions Program

Quick Facts:

• 19 is the legal age to use, buy, grow or possess cannabis in Nova Scotia
• all Nova Scotia cannabis offences have mandatory minimum fines

Additional Resources:

Overview of Nova Scotia’s cannabis rules: http://novascotia.ca/cannabis

2026 legislation amending the Cannabis Control Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/PDFs/annual%20statutes/2026%20Spring/c007.pdf

Cannabis Control Act Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/JUST/REGULATIONS/regsbyact.htm#cann

Summary Offence Ticket Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/JUST/REGULATIONS/regsbyact.htm#sumpr

News release – Amendments to Cannabis Control Act Improve Public Health, Safety: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/02/25/amendments-cannabis-control-act-improve-public-health-safety