Football fans flock from far and wide every four years for the famed tournament that is the FIFA World Cup. For this World Cup in 2026, Vancouver is proud to be one of the 16 host cities. The towering mountains, buzzing harbours and charming Gastown streets make Vancouver an exciting place to watch history go down.
World Cup Kickoff at Cheeky’s
In collaboration with Super Toast, Cheeky’s hosted a World Cup Party to kickoff the tournament on June 12 at our Mission location. It was a a sunny afternoon perfect for a BBQ. And of course we had cold drinks, footy games and a smoke pit!
Visitors arriving in Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have questions about cannabis laws in British Columbia. Since recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, adults who meet the minimum age requirement can legally purchase cannabis from licensed retailers in Vancouver. This guide covers what visitors should know about purchasing, possessing, transporting and consuming cannabis while visiting Vancouver.
Legal Cannabis in Canada
Weed has been legal here in Canada since 2018. On October 17th of that year, the Cannabis Act came into effect and the party began. Ever since, weed has been federally legal and regulated across the entire country, including in Vancouver.
The Cannabis Act governs Canada, but it was ultimately up to the individual provinces to set the specific rules around purchasing, possession and consumption. Vancouver is in the province of BC. The province set the legal minimum at 19 years old – just like alcohol sales.
Cannabis Purchase and Possession Limits in BC
Any adult that’s 19 or over is able to enter a cannabis shop to buy and possess weed here in BC. But how much? For dried flower, the legal limit to purchase at one time and possess in public is 30 grams, which is far more than one person or a small group could consume in one session. At home, you’re allowed to possess up to 1,000 grams as long as you don’t take more than 30 grams out of the house at once.
If you’re not into smoking, BC cannabis shops have a range of other products available for purchase that can be consumed a number of ways. Edibles are a popular option. In BC, edible cannabis products are sold in regulated package limits with up to 10mg in each. Multi-packs of up to 10 are available too, as long as each pack contains no more than 10mg.
Can Tourists Buy Cannabis in Vancouver?
In BC, tourists are treated the same as locals when it comes to purchasing, possessing and consuming cannabis. Regardless of where you are from, you can walk into a cannabis store to browse and buy what you’d like. All you need is identification proving you’re 19 years or older.
You’ll need a piece of government ID from your own country. It needs a photo, plus indication of your birthday. This could be something like a passport or driver’s license. In addition, you’ll need a second piece of ID – regardless of where you’re from. This second piece doesn’t need a photo however, and could be something like a credit card with your name on it.
Travelling with Cannabis in Canada
Cannabis can be transported on domestic flights within Canada, subject to federal possession limits and airline security requirements. These rules only apply to in-country flights. Canadian cannabis laws are not relevant in other countries.
If you’re arriving to Canada from another country or departing, it is illegal to bring any amount of cannabis. Regardless of the laws in your home country, it’s illegal to cross the Canadian border with cannabis.
If you plan to visit another province of Canada, it is legal to carry cannabis whether you’re arriving via plane or the road. However, it’s up to you to familiarize yourself with the laws of that province to ensure you remain compliant with local regulations.
Cannabis and Driving in BC
In BC, you can have up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in your vehicle. Ideally, it’s kept sealed in its original packaging, but if it’s not, it must be somewhere that is inaccessible to the driver (like the trunk).
Driving After Consuming Cannabis
Operating a vehicle after consuming cannabis, or driving while impaired, is strictly illegal in BC. Do not drive if you are impaired. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and impairment can last longer than many people expect. If you plan to consume cannabis, consider using public transit, taxis, rideshares or a designated driver.
If a police officer suspects you are under the influence of cannabis, they can require a Standard Field Sobriety Test. After that, if the officer believes you are impaired from cannabis, they may require an oral fluid or blood sample. From there, serious charges and suspensions could apply.
If you’re travelling around the city for the World Cup, take advantage of Vancouver’s world class high-speed public transportation system. There are buses and SkyTrain, plus taxis and ride shares.
Where Can You Consume Cannabis Vancouver?
The law around consuming cannabis is where it gets a little trickier. Generally speaking, smoking inside public spaces is not allowed, which includes all official World Cup venues in Vancouver. BC Place, Hastings Park (home of the FIFA Fan Festival) and The Shipyards in North Van are all recognized hubs for the tournament. It is illegal to bring or consume cannabis at these venues.
The same rules apply for any public building or public space that is typically crowded with people. You cannot consume cannabis in Vancouver parks or beaches, near playgrounds or school properties, in restaurants or in vehicles (including the bus and sky train).
One of the best and safest places to smoke is the home of a friend or family here in Vancouver (if you have one). Many hotels, vacation rentals and other accommodations prohibit smoking or cannabis consumption on the property. Always review the property’s policies before consuming cannabis.
Finding a place you can smoke in public is a little difficult. The rules are similar to smoking cigarettes. Some public areas may allow limited smoking where permitted, but rules vary by municipality and location. Visitors should always check local signage and municipal regulations before consuming cannabis in public. Consumption is prohibited in many public places and restrictions may vary by location. Areas like Gastown and Granville Street are packed with bars, restaurants and World Cup watching fans. These areas can be busy and social, so visitors should be especially mindful of local rules and their surroundings. Visitors should always ensure they are consuming cannabis only where permitted and should respect posted restrictions.
World Cup Kickoff at Cheeky’s
In collaborate with Super Toast, Cheeky’s hosted a World Cup Party to kickoff the tournament on June 12 at our Mission location. It was a a sunny afternoon perfect for a BBQ. And of course we had cold drinks, footy games and a smoke pit!
World Cup Viewing Parties at Mission Springs Pub
Mission Springs Pub is proud to be one of the few places on the Lower Mainland with a cannabis-friendly patio. That means you can safely ( and legally) smoke cannabis right from your table. And of course.. we’ll be blasting the World Cup action from our flat screen TVs. Kick back, enjoy a burger and a beer, and enjoy the action!
Mission Springs Pub is located on 7160 Oliver St (#200) in beautiful Mission, BC.
Finding a Licensed Cannabis Store in Vancouver
All cannabis in BC must be purchased from a legal cannabis store. Black market purchases are strictly illegal. But in a place like Vancouver, there are a dizzying number of places to buy legal weed.
It’s important to consider that not all cannabis shops are the same. At a place like Cheeky’s Cannabis, we take pride in our welcoming shopping environments and friendly staff – an experience rarer than you might expect.
At Cheeky’s, we carry a range of cannabis products from dried flower to edibles to concentrates, plus tons of accessories and everything you might need during your stay in Vancouver.
We’ve got one location in Vancouver, plus a few others in Maple Ridge, Mission and Vancouver Island. We hope to see you there!
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis laws and regulations may change. Visitors should consult official federal, provincial and local government resources for the most current information.