Fact Sheet - Applying for a Cannabis Record Suspension

Who is responsible for cannabis record suspensions?

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the official federal agency responsible for processing cannabis record suspension applications for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada.

What is a cannabis record suspension?

A cannabis record suspension lets a person with a criminal record for simple possession of cannabis only, who has finished their sentence, have their record set aside in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that a search of CPIC will not show that a person has a criminal record.

A cannabis record suspension helps take away the stigma of a criminal record, and open doors to job, educational, and volunteer opportunities.

Who is eligible?

A person can apply for a cannabis record suspension if they were convicted in Canada as an adult of simple possession of cannabis only. Convictions for simple possession of cannabis (i.e., personal use, no intent to traffic) are the only eligible convictions.

When can a person apply?

There is no waiting period. A person can apply as soon as their sentence is complete, even if they have unpaid fines or victim surcharges.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no fee to apply, but applicants are responsible for the cost of getting their fingerprints, criminal record, court documents, and police checks.

How does a person apply?

Visit our website at Canada.ca/cannabis-record-suspension for the official Application Guide and forms.

Does a person need to use a lawyer or for-profit third-party company?

No. A person can apply directly to the PBC. Using a for-profit third-party company, which often charge high fees, will not guarantee a record suspension; fast track the review of an application; or give it a special status. Such claims are FALSE and MISLEADING.

Applicants requiring assistance beyond what the PBC provides through its website and 1-800 Information Line may be able to access community support services in their area.

What are the limits of a cannabis record suspension?

A cannabis record suspension:

• Does not erase a criminal record, but sets it aside;
  
• Does not guarantee entry or a visa to another country.
  

Can a cannabis record suspension be revoked or cease to have effect?

Yes, if the person is:

• Convicted of a new indictable offence, or, in some cases, a summary offence;
• Found to have made a false or misleading statement, or hidden information when they applied;
  
• Found to have been ineligible for a record suspension at the time the record suspension was ordered.

For more information:

Canada.ca/cannabis-record-suspension
1-800-874-2652 (toll-free)
cannabis-suspension@pbc-clcc.gc.ca