Every week we welcome American visitors who are exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake — the wineries, the Shaw Festival, Old Town — and who ask the same question: "Can I actually just… buy cannabis here?"
Yes. Legally, easily, and probably more easily than you expect. Here's everything a US visitor needs to know.
First: There Are No Cannabis Stores in NOTL Itself
Niagara-on-the-Lake opted out of retail cannabis stores, so you won't find a dispensary in Old Town. The closest legal cannabis store is PEPE Cannabis on Read Road in St. Catharines — about ten minutes from NOTL, right on the way in or out of wine country. (More on that in our guide to the closest cannabis dispensary to Niagara-on-the-Lake.)
Yes, It's Fully Legal — Here's How It Works
Cannabis has been legal nationwide in Canada since 2018. In Ontario:
- You must be 19+ — same as alcohol in Ontario.
- Your US passport works as ID. Any valid government-issued photo ID showing your birth date is accepted. You'll be asked for it — everyone is.
- You can possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) in public.
- No membership, no medical card, no paperwork. Walk in, browse, buy. Licensed stores sell only regulated, lab-tested products with clearly labelled THC/CBD content.
If your last dispensary experience was in the US, the biggest differences you'll notice here: every product is federally regulated and tested, edibles are capped at 10mg THC per piece, and prices will probably be lower than you're used to.
The One Rule That Really Matters: Don't Take It Across the Border
This is the part every US visitor needs to hear: it is a federal crime to bring cannabis across the Canada–US border — in either direction. It doesn't matter that it's legal in Canada and legal in New York; the border is federal jurisdiction on both sides, and "I bought it legally" is not a defence.
Whatever you buy in Ontario needs to be enjoyed in Ontario. Buy what you'll use during your stay, and if you have leftovers, dispose of them before you drive to the crossing. Simple as that.
What Should Visitors Buy?
Our team helps first-time and out-of-country visitors every day. The most popular picks:
- Pre-rolls — zero equipment needed, perfect for a trip.
- Gummies and edibles — discreet and hotel-friendly; see our guide to the best THC gummies and edibles in Canada for what's on our shelves.
- THC beverages — a uniquely Canadian scene worth trying; seltzers, teas, and lemonades that pair a little too well with a day of wine touring (not at the same time — see below).
- A Canadian-grown classic — ask for something local; our house PEPE strains are grown for exactly this "when in Canada" moment.
Where Can You Actually Consume?
The short version: broadly, wherever you could smoke a cigarette — and never in a vehicle.
- Hotels and B&Bs set their own rules, and most NOTL properties are non-smoking — ask before lighting up, or choose edibles.
- Public sidewalks, trails, and most parks are generally permitted; patios, restaurants, and enclosed public spaces are not.
- Never drive high. Ontario has zero tolerance for impaired driving, and so does the border.
FAQ for US Visitors
Do you take American credit and debit cards?
Yes — cards work like at any Canadian retailer. Note your bank's usual foreign transaction terms apply.
Is it cash-only like some US dispensaries?
No. Because cannabis is federally legal in Canada, stores are normal retail businesses — cards are standard.
Can I order online?
You can browse our live menu online and pick up in-store. You'll still need your ID at pickup.
Can I take edibles home if they're sealed?
No. Sealed or not, no cannabis product can cross the border. Enjoy them here.
Ten Minutes From NOTL
PEPE Cannabis is at 532 Read Road in St. Catharines — an easy stop between the QEW and Old Town, minutes from the wineries. Our team loves first-timers and visitors; tell us what your trip looks like and we'll point you to the right products for it.
Must be 19+. Please consume responsibly and keep all cannabis products away from children and pets.
