What To Know When Camping With Weed

For campers, packing up the gear for a weekend in the woods is a tradition. Especially in summertime; nature is calling us to take full advantage of the sunshine and warm lakes.

Taking a break from the city and enjoying nature’s beauty can be a great way to relieve stress, but sometimes you just want some extra support from your old friend – weed. Even though weed is now legal nationwide, there are still some places (and people) that don’t appreciate people smoking weed in public.

Each Canadian province has its own set of guidelines for cannabis consumption in parks. Owen Allerton, co-owner of Highland Cannabis, a Kitchener, Ontario-based retailer, understands this and knows that each province has its own set of preferences and regulations.

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

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant species in the family Cannabaceae. It includes three primary subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, including for its medicinal and recreational effects. It is also known for its psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. THC acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and other cognitive functions. The amount of THC in cannabis varies depending on the strain, with some strains having higher levels of THC than others.

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use.

CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is also used to manage symptoms of conditions such as multiple sclerosis and help with epilepsy. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, and topical creams.

You can smoke cannabis on most Parks Canada campsites, but not in communal areas

Blazing some herb on your camping spot at a national park is totally legal—just like it is at your house. This is because Parks Canada considers these designated areas as private spaces, like your own backyard. So go ahead and light up!

However, the shared spaces on Parks Canada land, like bathrooms, kitchen shelters, parking areas, and roads, are off limits to cannabis use.

Not all Parks Canada campgrounds allow 4/20-friendly activities, but a select number do so independently. This allows campers to choose which activities they want to participate in, based on their own preferences.

We understand that some people might not want to drink alcohol at parks during certain times of the year, and we want to make sure everyone has a great experience.

Ontario, BC, and Alberta have the most weed-friendly campgrounds

Legalization of cannabis has led to many benefits, one of which is the ability to camp with cannabis in Canada.

It’s no surprise that Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are among the most weed-friendly camping locations in the nation. All three provinces have an abundance of retail stores and stunning campgrounds.

According to Highland Cannabis’ research, two-thirds of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario campgrounds have accepted marijuana, and these provinces have relatively relaxed rules when it comes to where you can get high and use marijuana while camping and hiking.

In Ontario, you can enjoy cannabis in public parks just like you can in other areas of the province. However, you are not allowed to consume cannabis in common areas or within 20 metres of a playground.

British Columbia and Alberta both have similar fire regulations, so be sure to check the ratings before lighting any fires in these areas. BC has had a lot of wildfires in the past, so don’t be a jerk and start a fire by careless disposal.

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

Quebec’s view on weed is a little strained, as it’s only legal in Quebec if you buy it through the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC). However, given that cannabis is legal across the country, Quebec’s stance on weed is still considered to be among the more lenient out of all the provinces.

Given the strict laws surrounding cannabis use, it makes sense that the rules around using cannabis while camping in Quebec are also tough.

Thanks to our strict regulations, you can only smoke cannabis at designated Parks Canada campgrounds while on your registered campsite. Public smoking is not allowed anywhere.

If you’re caught smoking cannabis, the fines can be very steep – from $750 to $2,250.

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

When stocking up on booze for a camping weekend, you can grab as much beer or wine as you want. With cannabis, however, you can only have a limited amount – depending on your age in Canada.

The equivalency varies depending on how you consume cannabis. For example, one gram of dried cannabis is equal to 15 grams of edibles, which means you can legally carry 450 grams of your favourite gummies. Concentrates, on the other hand, are equal to 0.25 grams of dried product, so you can have 7.5 grams of solid or liquid concentrated on you at one time.

Even though carrying firearms in public may be against the law in some communities, it’s important to note that private campgrounds and different municipalities have different rules on firearms. Before you go, make sure to do your research so that you don’t run into any problems.