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An Ottawa Police Service officer collects used needles he finds out on patrol

HomeWho We AreSections and UnitsDrugs
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Drugs

Illegal drugs and their trade take a heavy toll on our communities, whether through associated crime, drug dependency or violence.

The Ottawa Police Drug Unit enforces the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and other federal statutes. The Unit investigates drug offences ranging from street-level drug trafficking to large-scale investigations targeting Organized Crime groups responsible for the production, manufacturing, importation, and distribution of large quantities of drugs in Ottawa.

The Drug Unit works closely with community stakeholders to identify drug trends and find ways to effectively combat the illicit sale and distribution of prescription medication and precursors used in the production of synthetic drugs.

Cannabis

For any of the following information, please visit ottawa.ca/cannabis:

  • Buying and selling cannabis
  • Using cannabis
  • Cultivating cannabis for personal use
  • Edible cannabis products
  • Complaints about the odour of cannabis

If you see an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.

The Ottawa Police Service is responsible for issues related to:

  • Possession, distribution, selling, and production of cannabis
  • Home cultivation of cannabis in excess of legal limits
  • Public intoxication
  • Impaired driving
  • Where you can't smoke or vape in Ontario
Cannabis use

Cannabis cannot be consumed in certain public places, workplaces or motorized vehicles.

Consumption of cannabis products is not allowed on City property, including parks, arenas, recreation centres, libraries, pools, transit stations and buses.

Restrictions may also be contingent upon agreements governing multi-unit dwellings and condos.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis where smoking or vaping tobacco is prohibited.

Non-medical cannabis use is regulated under the Federal Cannabis Act and the Provincial Cannabis Control Act, 2017.

Cannabis possession and growing

A person 19+ is allowed to have 30 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis in public at any time.

A person 19+ is allowed to grow up to four (4) budding plants of cannabis. This is per residence, not per person.

More information:

  • Canada.ca/cannabis
  • Drug and Alcohol Helpline
  • Impaired driving
  • Local mental health and addiction services
  • Ontario.ca/cannabis
  • Ottawa Public Health
  • Service Access to Recovery
  • StopOverdoseOttawa.ca
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Ottawa Police Service

P.O. Box 9634 Station T,
Ottawa, ON K1G 6H5

Phone: 613-236-1222 (non-emergency)
TTY: 613-232-1123
Service for the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

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