It is illegal everywhere in Canada. Similar to the US we have our federal laws. Medical marijuana is legal and I'm pretty sure you need a permit to buy from the compassion clubs in BC and elsewhere. You also need a doctor to sign off on your permit and that is difficult if not impossible unless you are really and truly sick.

That said, the police are pretty lenient if you don't give them a hard time. If you get caught by police with a small amount they will usually confiscate and let you go. UNLESS, you are acting spaced out, aggressive, or generally being a dick. Then they can, and will, arrest you. Also, if you happen to be caught by an ultra-conservative cop then they will probably just arrest you and be happy doing it.

The good news is sentencing is nowhere near as severe as in the US...yet. For growing, automatic jail time doesn't kick in until over 500 plants, which is way more than any hobby grower ever has going at one time.

The lesson is be smart, careful and don't get caught.