Quick answer: In London, Ontario, adults 19+ can smoke or vape cannabis in a private home (unless a lease or condo rule says no) and in many outdoor public places, such as sidewalks and most park areas. Provincial law bans it in enclosed public places and workplaces, on restaurant and bar patios and within 9 m of them, within 20 m of playgrounds, school grounds and public sports fields, in bus shelters, and in any car or boat. Western and Fanshawe campuses are smoke-free. Fines start at $1,000.
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults in Ontario, but “legal to buy” is not the same as “legal to smoke anywhere”. In London, the rules come from the provincial Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, plus your landlord, condo board, school or employer. Here is what applies where you live, work and hang out.
Where you can smoke weed in London
- Your home: a private residence is allowed, unless your lease, rental agreement or condo bylaws ban it. Common areas of apartment and condo buildings, such as hallways, elevators and laundry rooms, are not allowed.
- Many outdoor public places: under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, adults can smoke or vape cannabis in many outdoor spaces where tobacco smoking is allowed, such as sidewalks and most open areas of parks. You still have to stay the required distance from playgrounds, sports fields and patios (see below).
- Designated hotel rooms: only in fully enclosed guest rooms the hotel has set aside for smoking or vaping.
- A friend’s home: if they allow it, and their lease or condo rules do too.
Where you can’t smoke weed in London
| Place | Rule |
|---|---|
| Enclosed public places and workplaces | Not allowed, even when the workplace is closed |
| Restaurant and bar patios | Not allowed on the patio or within 9 m of it |
| Playgrounds | Not allowed, including within 20 m |
| School grounds | Not allowed, including within 20 m |
| Publicly owned sports fields and spectator areas | Not allowed, including within 20 m |
| Community recreation facilities | Not allowed on the grounds or within 20 m |
| Hospitals | Not allowed on the grounds or within 9 m of entrances |
| Bus shelters and other shelters with a roof and more than two walls | Not allowed |
| Reserved seating at outdoor stadiums and concert venues | Not allowed |
| Cars, trucks and boats (moving or about to move) | No cannabis use of any kind, smoked, vaped or eaten, by anyone, driver or passenger |
| Western University and Fanshawe College | Both run smoke-free campus policies |
London’s own city bylaw also bans tobacco smoking within 9 m of city park amenities, such as playgrounds, pools, spray pads, sports fields, picnic shelters and gazebos, and the entrances of city buildings. That bylaw is written for tobacco, but the provincial act already covers cannabis at most of the same spots. The easiest rule is to treat any park amenity as off-limits and move well away from it.
Fines for smoking in the wrong place
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, a person convicted of smoking or vaping where it is not allowed can be fined $1,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for any further offence. Using cannabis in a vehicle is a separate offence, and driving while impaired by cannabis is a criminal matter.
Renters, students and condo owners
- Renters: check your lease. Many leases ban smoking in the unit, and a no-smoking clause can cover cannabis as well as tobacco.
- Condo owners: condo declarations and rules can ban smoking in units and on balconies.
- Students: Western and Fanshawe campuses are smoke-free, so check your residence agreement before using cannabis in your room.
Options if you can’t smoke where you are
Smoking rules are about smoke and vapour, so many adults who rent or share walls choose products that don’t produce smoke at home, such as edibles, cannabis drinks or tinctures. Remember that edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Our THC guide explains how to read the label and start low. Vapes are still treated like smoking under Ontario law.
Live in London or nearby? See same-day weed delivery in London, Ontario for delivery times, or check our hours and delivery cut-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you smoke weed in public in London, Ontario?
Yes, in many outdoor public places such as sidewalks, as long as you are 19+ and stay out of banned areas: patios and within 9 m of them, within 20 m of playgrounds, school grounds and public sports fields, bus shelters, hospital grounds and enclosed public places.
Can you smoke weed in a park in London?
Only in open areas away from park amenities. It is not allowed within 20 m of playgrounds or publicly owned sports fields, and London’s bylaw bans tobacco within 9 m of park amenities such as pools, spray pads and picnic shelters.
Can I smoke weed in my apartment in London?
Yes, in your own unit, unless your lease or condo rules ban it. Hallways, elevators, laundry rooms and other common areas are not allowed.
Can passengers smoke weed in a car in Ontario?
No. Nobody in a moving vehicle, or one about to move, may use cannabis in any form, including passengers.
What is the fine for smoking weed where it isn’t allowed?
Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, a conviction carries a fine of $1,000 for a first offence and $5,000 for any further offence.
Sources
- Ontario.ca: Where you can’t smoke or vape in Ontario
- City of London: Smoking Near Recreation Amenities and Entrances By-law
- CTV London: Western campus goes fully smoke-free
- Fanshawe College: Smoke-free Fanshawe
General information only, not medical or legal advice. See our editorial policy.
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