If you’re planning a camping trip and aren’t sure if you can bring marijuana to the party, Parks Canada has made it clear that cannabis consumption will be permitted at its campsites. However, it will not be allowed in campground common areas, including playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, or roads.
The agency noted that provincial, territorial, and municipal cannabis legislation applies to national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, and Rouge National Urban Park.
“While Parks Canada campgrounds are public areas, the agency treats individual campsites as temporary domiciles for our visitors. For this reason, at Parks Canada campgrounds, consumption of cannabis will be permitted in campsites,” spokesperson Marie-Hélène Brisson told CBC in an email.
Smoking marijuana on hiking trails is allowed in certain provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories) if the trails are located outside of the campgrounds.
The policy on marijuana will be similar to Park Canada’s policy regarding alcohol.
“As with alcohol, from time to time Parks Canada may implement specific prohibitions on consumption in specific campgrounds or at specific times of year as operational requirements arise, or in an effort to ensure that all visitors enjoy their stay,” Brisson noted.
It’s important that campers educate themselves about local provincial, territorial or municipal cannabis laws prior to taking marijuana to a national park. In addition, Brisson pointed out that impairment from the drug can be problematic during outdoor activities.
“It is important to maintain environmental awareness and a clear mind when performing activities in Parks Canada’s places to help prevent accidents, incidents or injury,” Brisson wrote.
Canadians will legally be able to use marijuana for recreational purposes starting this week. Each province has different laws regarding where marijuana can be smoked and purchased and the legal age for consumption.
And in case you’re wondering, Canadians will also be permitted to take up to 30 grams of cannabis with them while flying domestically.
