Higher Fines Now Apply to Illegal Cannabis Sales in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has increased the financial penalties for buying or selling cannabis outside the legal market.

Adults who purchase cannabis from anywhere other than the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation can be fined between $600 and $5,000.

An individual selling cannabis illegally faces a fine of between $5,000 and $25,000. Businesses can be fined between $15,000 and $50,000.

Advertising illegal cannabis sales is also an offence. Landlords who knowingly allow illegal sales on their property can face a $25,000 fine.

For illegal transactions involving at least one kilogram of cannabis, an additional fine is calculated at twice the tax that would have applied to a legal sale. The province currently calculates that penalty at $3,680 per kilogram.

Nova Scotia’s legal age for buying, using, growing or possessing cannabis remains 19.