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Weed in Markham: The Complete Local Guide (2025 Edition)

Cannabis has been legal across Canada since 2018, but every city has its own personality, rules, and consumer habits—and Markham, Ontario is no exception. Located just north of Toronto and home to one of Canada’s fastest-growing populations, Markham is a city known for its innovation, cultural diversity, vibrant neighbourhoods, and strong community standards.

When it comes to cannabis, Markham follows Ontario’s provincial framework, but it also maintains local restrictions that impact where you can buy, possess, and consume weed. Whether you live in Markham or are passing through, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know: local laws, buying options, weed delivery, edibles, concentrates, safe consumption, and what’s changing in 2025.

This article is written in human-friendly language—clear, informative, and designed to help you navigate cannabis in Markham confidently and legally.

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1. Cannabis in Markham: A City With Unique Rules

Markham is notably more conservative than neighbouring cities like Toronto. When Ontario first allowed municipalities to opt out of private cannabis retail stores, Markham was one of the cities that voted against allowing physical cannabis stores.

As of 2025:

• Markham still does NOT allow brick-and-mortar cannabis stores within city limits.
• However, residents can still buy legal cannabis through:
  • Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) online
  • Delivery from licensed retailers located outside Markham
  • Visiting cannabis retail stores in nearby cities (Richmond Hill, Toronto, Vaughan, Stouffville, etc.)

Nothing about possession or personal use is illegal, but where and how you obtain legal cannabis in Markham is different from many Ontario cities.

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2. Is Cannabis Legal in Markham?

Yes. Weed is legal everywhere in Ontario, including Markham, under the Cannabis Act (Canada) and Ontario’s Cannabis Control Act.

Who can legally buy or consume weed?

• Residents and visitors must be 19+.
• A valid government ID is required when purchasing.

How much can you possess?

• Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in public.
• No limit for how much you can store at home, as long as it is for personal use.

Where can you consume?

You may consume cannabis in most of the same places you can smoke tobacco:

Allowed:

• Private residences
• Outdoor public places (parks, sidewalks, trails—unless locally restricted)
• Designated hotel rooms (if the hotel allows it)

Not allowed:

• Indoors in public buildings
• Schools or school property
• Hospitals and care facilities
• Enclosed workplaces
• Condos or apartments that restrict smoking
• Public transportation
• Vehicles

Markham also enforces local smoke-free bylaws that may further restrict public smoking in certain parks or municipal spaces.

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3. Why Are There No Cannabis Stores in Markham?

Markham was among the Ontario municipalities that formally opted out of permitting retail cannabis stores in 2019. The reasons cited included:

• Concerns about proximity to schools and residential communities
• Demand for stronger local control
• Desire to monitor cannabis legalization impacts before allowing stores

Even after Ontario expanded licensing and retail opportunities, Markham maintained its stance.

Will this change in the future?

It’s possible. Many previously “opt-out” cities have since reversed their decision because:

• Legal markets reduce black-market activity
• Residents prefer convenient, regulated access
• Cannabis tourism adds local revenue

As of 2025, however, Markham has not reversed its ban.

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4. Where to Buy Weed Legally in Markham

Even though physical stores aren’t allowed, Markham residents have three fully legal options to purchase cannabis:

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Option 1: Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS.ca)

The OCS is the official government-run retailer for Ontario.

What you can buy:

• Dried flower
• Pre-rolls
• Edibles
• Concentrates
• Vapes
• Oils and capsules
• CBD products
• Accessories

Benefits:

• 100% legal and regulated
• Secure online shopping
• Strict quality testing
• Delivery across Ontario

Outbound link:
OCS Official Site: https://ocs.ca

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Option 2: Weed Delivery From Licensed Retailers (Outside Markham)

Ontario allows licensed cannabis retailers located in other cities to deliver directly to Markham.

Common nearby cities with legal cannabis stores include:

• Vaughan
• Richmond Hill
• Stouffville
• Scarborough
• Toronto

Delivery is:

• Same-day or next-day in most cases
• ID-verified at the door
• Limited only to licensed stores (to ensure product safety)

This is often the fastest and most convenient way to get weed in Markham.

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Option 3: Visit a Store in a Nearby City

If you prefer to shop in person, you can easily visit nearby cannabis stores just minutes from Markham’s borders.

Popular nearby shopping areas include:

• Yonge Street (Richmond Hill)
• Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (Vaughan)
• Steeles Avenue West (Toronto)
• Highway 7 retail corridors (Richmond Hill)

Bring valid ID and expect staff to help you choose the right product.

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5. Types of Cannabis Products Available to Markham Residents

Regardless of how you buy legal cannabis, you’ll have access to all major product categories available in Ontario.

Here’s what you can expect:

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1. Dried Flower

Still the most popular format in Ontario.

Available in:

• Indica
• Sativa
• Hybrid
• Craft / small-batch
• High-potency THC strains
• CBD-dominant strains

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2. Pre-Rolled Joints

Convenient and consistent. Popular with beginners and casual users.

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3. Edibles

Edibles are tightly regulated in Canada.
Common options include:

• Gummies
• Chocolate
• Cookies and baked goods
• Mints
• Beverages

Max THC per package: 10 mg
(Although newer “edible extracts” allow higher-dose formats in 2025.)

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4. Cannabis Vapes

Vape cartridges and disposable pens come in:

• Distillate
• Live resin
• Rosin
• Full-spectrum oil

Highly potent, fast-acting, and discreet.

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5. Concentrates

For advanced users:

• Shatter
• Wax
• Budder
• Live resin
• Hash and bubble hash
• Rosin

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6. Oils, Capsules & Tinctures

Great for microdosing, wellness, or those avoiding smoking.

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7. CBD-Only Products

Non-intoxicating and widely used for:

• Anxiety
• Pain
• Sleep
• Recovery

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8. Topicals

Creams, balms, and roll-ons designed for targeted relief.

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6. How Weed Delivery Works in Markham

Because there are no stores directly in Markham, delivery is essential for many residents. The process is simple:

1. Visit a licensed cannabis retailer’s website
2. Add products to your cart
3. Choose “Delivery to Markham”
4. Upload or show ID
5. Pay online
6. Receive delivery (same-day or next-day)
7. Show ID again at the door

Delivery Rules:

• You must be home to accept the delivery
• Couriers cannot leave packages unattended
• You must be 19+
• Payments are usually online only

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7. Weed Prices in Markham (2025)

Prices are consistent with the rest of Ontario but may vary by brand and store.

Typical price ranges:

• Dried flower: $4 – $14 per gram
• Pre-rolls: $6 – $40 per pack
• Edibles: $4 – $10 per pack (10 mg THC max)
• Vape carts: $25 – $55 each
• Concentrates: $25 – $60 per gram
• CBD oils: $20 – $80 per bottle

Craft cannabis tends to cost more but often provides better terpene and cannabinoid profiles.

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8. Markham’s Cannabis Consumption Culture

Markham has a diverse population and a wide age distribution, but cannabis use in the city is generally more discreet compared to Toronto.

Local trends show:

• High preference for edibles and vapes
• Lower visible public smoking
• Growing interest in CBD products
• Younger adults lean toward pre-rolls and vape pens
• Many consumers prefer delivery for privacy and convenience

Markham’s strong cultural diversity contributes to differing attitudes about cannabis, with some households being extremely cannabis-friendly and others avoiding it entirely.

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9. Cannabis & Driving in Markham

Driving while impaired by cannabis is strictly illegal.

Penalties include:

• Immediate license suspension
• Vehicle impound
• Criminal charges
• Insurance increases
• Fines and possible jail time

Police in Markham and York Region conduct:

• RIDE programs
• Roadside saliva testing
• SFST sobriety tests

Wait at least 4–6 hours after smoking, and longer for edibles, which can last 8–12 hours.

Outbound resource:
Government of Ontario – Impaired Driving:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving

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10. Medical Cannabis in Markham

Medical cannabis has separate rules from recreational weed.

Benefits of becoming a medical cannabis patient:

• Access to specialized medical strains
• Higher possession limits (150 g or 30-day supply)
• Some insurance coverage depending on provider
• Option to grow more plants at home

Outbound resource:
Health Canada – Medical Cannabis:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis/medical-use.html

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11. Growing Cannabis at Home in Markham

Ontario allows up to four plants per household for personal use.

Rules:

• Must be out of public view
• Cannot sell homegrown cannabis
• Landlords or condo boards may ban it
• Plants can’t exceed limits even if multiple adults live together

Home cultivation is popular in suburban areas of Markham where properties have more space.

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12. Safety Tips for New or Occasional Cannabis Users

Especially in Markham, where many first-time consumers prefer edibles or vapes, safe use is important.

Start low, go slow

• Start with 1–2 mg THC for edibles
• Start with 1–2 inhalations for vapes

Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol

This multiplies impairment.

Store cannabis safely

• Away from kids and pets
• Use locked containers
• Keep edibles separate from regular snacks

Be responsible in public

Markham enforces smoke-free bylaws.

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13. Popular Neighbourhoods in Markham for Cannabis Consumers

While cannabis usage is fairly spread out, some areas have higher demand due to demographics and proximity to delivery routes:

• Downtown Markham
• Unionville
• Cornell
• Berczy Village
• Greensborough
• Thornhill (Markham side)
• Milliken Mills

Younger communities and mixed-use neighbourhoods typically see more cannabis delivery activity.

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14. Outbound Links (Non-Competitive, Informational Only)

Here are safe, useful resources for cannabis laws and information:

• Government of Canada – Cannabis Overview
  https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/cannabis.html
• Ontario Cannabis Store
  https://ocs.ca
• Ontario Government – Cannabis Laws
  https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis
• Health Canada – Medical Cannabis
  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/cannabis/medical-use.html
• York Region Public Health – Smoking and Vaping
  https://www.york.ca

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FAQs About Weed in Markham

1. Is weed legal in Markham?

Yes. Cannabis is fully legal in Markham for adults 19+, but the city does not allow storefront cannabis retailers.

2. Are there any cannabis stores in Markham?

No. Markham opted out of allowing physical retail cannabis stores.

3. Can I order weed online for delivery in Markham?

Yes. Licensed retailers outside Markham and the OCS deliver to Markham.

4. Can I smoke weed in public in Markham?

Yes, in most outdoor public areas unless restricted by local bylaws. You cannot smoke inside public buildings, workplaces, schools, or vehicles.

5. How much weed can I possess in Markham?

Up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public.

6. Can I grow my own cannabis in Markham?

Yes, up to four plants per residence.

7. Can tourists buy weed in Markham?

Tourists can purchase weed online via the OCS or visit retail stores in nearby cities.

8. Does Markham allow cannabis lounges or cafes?

No. Ontario has not legalized cannabis lounges or cafes.

9. Is it safe to buy from unlicensed sellers?

No. Products may be unsafe, contaminated, or illegal. Always purchase through legal channels.

10. Will Markham ever open its own cannabis stores?

It’s possible in the future, but as of 2025, no retail stores are approved.

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Final Thoughts

Markham’s cannabis landscape is unique—legal but without physical stores. Still, residents enjoy full access to safe, regulated cannabis through online ordering, licensed delivery, and nearby cities with established retail shops.

Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or trying cannabis for the first time, Markham offers plenty of legal, safe, and convenient options for enjoying cannabis responsibly.