1. Is it a crime to have more than 30 grams of cannabis in public in Ontario?

Yes. Under section 8(1) of the Cannabis Act , it is a criminal offence to possess more than 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) in a public place. Even if the cannabis was legally purchased from a licensed store, exceeding the limit can lead to a summary conviction , fines, or jail time.

2. What does “distribution without authorization” mean under section 9(1)?

Section 9(1) makes it illegal to share, give, or distribute cannabis to another person if you're not licensed to do so — even if no money is exchanged. For example, giving a joint to a friend at a party can result in criminal charges under this section.

3. Can I go to jail for these cannabis offences?

Yes, you can. Both section 8(1) and 9(1) carry a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $5,000 for summary convictions. While jail is not common for first-time offences, it remains a legal possibility — especially without proper legal defence.

5. Will I get a criminal record if I’m convicted?

Yes. A conviction for either possession over the legal limit or unlawful distribution under the Cannabis Act will result in a criminal record , which can impact employment, travel, immigration status, and more. That’s why early legal intervention is crucial.

6. Can these charges be withdrawn or reduced?

In many cases, yes. Depending on your circumstances, criminal history, and the strength of the Crown’s case, our legal team may be able to negotiate a withdrawal, diversion, or reduced charge — possibly avoiding a conviction altogether.

7. How much does it cost to defend a cannabis charge like this?

We offer flat-rate legal fees for cannabis charges under sections 8(1) and 9(1), so you’ll know the full cost up front — with no surprises or hourly billing . e="contact-us/free-consultation" label="" type="page" href="/contact-us/free-consultation" data-runtime-url="/contact-us/free-consultation">Book a free consultation and we’ll explain exactly what to expect.

8. Can I fight this charge without going to court?

In many cases, you won’t have to appear in person , especially for summary cannabis offences. As your legal representative, we can attend court on your behalf, file documents, and work toward a resolution while you continue with your life.

Cannabis Possession & Distribution Defence | Ontario Paralegal

Q: 4. Can a licensed paralegal represent me for these cannabis charges in Ontario?

Yes. Licensed paralegals in Ontario are authorized by the Law Society of Ontario to represent clients charged under sections 8(1) and 9(1) of the Cannabis Act — as long as the Crown proceeds by summary conviction (which is common for these offences).

You’ve been caught with more than 30g of cannabis in public
You’re accused of giving or sharing cannabis without a licence
You were charged under section 8(1) or 9(1) of the Cannabis Act
You’re looking for clear legal options that won’t break the bank

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. These charges may seem minor, but they can result in a criminal record, fines, or even jail time if not handled properly.

Charged with Cannabis Possession or Distribution?

We defend clients charged under sections 8(1) and 9(1) of the Cannabis Act — fast, affordably, and with a clear legal strategy.

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Our licensed paralegal services are fully authorized to represent clients in Ontario courts for offences under:

Section 8(1): Possession of cannabis beyond the legal limit (30 grams in public)
Section 9(1): Unlawful distribution of cannabis (e.g. sharing or giving cannabis without authorization)

These offences are classified as summary conviction offences and fall squarely within the scope of what licensed paralegals in Ontario are permitted to defend under the Law Society of Ontario rules.

Section 8(1) – Possession Over the Legal Limit

This charge applies when you're found with more than the legal public limit of 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent). Even if the cannabis was legally purchased from a licensed store, exceeding the limit in a public place can result in a criminal charge.

Possible penalties: Fines up to $5,000 or up to 6 months in jail

Common scenarios: Airport searches, traffic stops, police encounters in parks or festivals

Section 9(1) – Distribution Without Authorization

This charge can apply even when you give cannabis to a friend or share without payment. If you’re not licensed to distribute cannabis and you provide it to another person — even casually — it can trigger criminal charges under this section.

Possible penalties: Same — up to $5,000 in fines or 6 months’ imprisonment

Common scenarios: Giving cannabis to a friend, sharing at a party, or being found with multiple packaged amounts

Cannabis offences under sections 8(1) and 9(1) are often misunderstood as "not a big deal." But a conviction can still result in:

A criminal record that affects employment, immigration, or travel
Fines or jail time
Long-term impacts on your future opportunities

With the right legal strategy, many of these charges can be reduced, withdrawn, or resolved without a conviction — and that’s exactly what we fight for.

Don’t Risk a Criminal Record Over a Cannabis Offence
Let us help you resolve your possession or distribution charge with no delay and no stress.

✔ Flat-rate pricing
✔ Fast legal response
✔ No obligation consultation

Start Your Case Today

Call 844-4-WIN-4-ME or Book Online

Take the First Step — We’ll Handle the Rest

You don’t need to go through this alone. We’ll explain your options in plain English, guide you through every step, and work to get the best possible outcome for your case — affordably, efficiently, and professionally.

We Defend Cannabis Charges Across Ontario – Let’s Get Started

We’ve helped countless Ontarians fight cannabis charges under sections 8(1) and 9(1). Let us help you too — with clear advice and strong defence, from the very first call.

Book a Free Consultation Now

Call Us Directly at 844-4-WIN-4-ME
Serving Clients in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and Beyond

1. Is it a crime to have more than 30 grams of cannabis in public in Ontario?
Yes. Under section 8(1) of the Cannabis Act, it is a criminal offence to possess more than 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) in a public place.

Even if the cannabis was legally purchased from a licensed store, exceeding the limit can lead to a summary conviction, fines, or jail time.
2. What does “distribution without authorization” mean under section 9(1)?
Section 9(1) makes it illegal to share, give, or distribute cannabis to another person if you're not licensed to do so — even if no money is exchanged. For example, giving a joint to a friend at a party can result in criminal charges under this section.
3. Can I go to jail for these cannabis offences?
Yes, you can. Both section 8(1) and 9(1) carry a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $5,000 for summary convictions.

While jail is not common for first-time offences, it remains a legal possibility — especially without proper legal defence.
4. Can a licensed paralegal represent me for these cannabis charges in Ontario?
Yes. Licensed paralegals in Ontario are authorized by the Law Society of Ontario to represent clients charged under sections 8(1) and 9(1) of the Cannabis Act — as long as the Crown proceeds by summary conviction (which is common for these offences).
5. Will I get a criminal record if I’m convicted?
Yes. A conviction for either possession over the legal limit or unlawful distribution under the Cannabis Act will result in a criminal record, which can impact employment, travel, immigration status, and more. That’s why early legal intervention is crucial.
6. Can these charges be withdrawn or reduced?
In many cases, yes. Depending on your circumstances, criminal history, and the strength of the Crown’s case, our legal team may be able to negotiate a withdrawal, diversion, or reduced charge — possibly avoiding a conviction altogether.
7. How much does it cost to defend a cannabis charge like this?
We offer flat-rate legal fees for cannabis charges under sections 8(1) and 9(1), so you’ll know the full cost up front — with no surprises or hourly billing. e="contact-us/free-consultation" label="" type="page" href="/contact-us/free-consultation" data-runtime-url="/contact-us/free-consultation">Book a free consultation and we’ll explain exactly what to expect.
8. Can I fight this charge without going to court?
In many cases, you won’t have to appear in person, especially for summary cannabis offences.

As your legal representative, we can attend court on your behalf, file documents, and work toward a resolution while you continue with your life.

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Charged Under the Cannabis Act? Legal Help for Possession & Distribution Offences in Ontario

Why You’re Likely Here

Charged with Cannabis Possession or Distribution?

We Can Represent You —

Legally and Affordably

What These Cannabis Charges Mean

Section 8(1) – Possession Over the Legal Limit

Section 9(1) – Distribution Without Authorization