After months of scrutiny around cannabis regulation, Nova Scotia has introduced higher fines and new offences aimed at strengthening enforcement of provincial cannabis laws.
Under provincial rules, cannabis can only be purchased legally through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). However, some — including Mi’kmaq leaders — argue the province’s crackdown, which began in December 2025, infringes on treaty rights they say include self-governance and control over economic activity on their lands.
The changes follow months of tension between the province and some Indigenous communities, including several cannabis store raids on Mi’kmaq territory.
The government says it is now an offence for sellers it considers illegal to advertise or promote cannabis sales, or for landlords to knowingly allow such sales on their property. Those offences carry a fine of $25,000.
New penalties have also been introduced for the sale of larger quantities of cannabis. For amounts of at least one kilogram, fines are set at twice the amount of tax that would have been paid on a legal sale — approximately $3,680 per kilogram.
Additional increased fines include:
- $250 to $500 for a person under 19 in possession of cannabis
- $600 to $5,000 for purchasing cannabis outside the NSLC
- $5,000 to $25,000 for individuals selling cannabis illegally
- $15,000 to $50,000 for businesses selling cannabis illegally
Government officials say the measures are intended to limit access to cannabis for underage individuals and reduce illegal sales in the province.
The legislative changes were passed earlier this year. As of June 25, they are now in effect, with accompanying regulations outlining how they will be enforced.
