Cannabis Consumption in Ontario
Under the current proposed regulations, the Ontario Government intends to control and operate the sale of marijuana. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario will operate approximately 150 stores and sell the product to people aged 19 and older.
But what will the rules be for consumption of cannibas? At present, we know that there will be a ban on consumption in public spaces or workplaces. The rules proposed by the Ontario government restrict recreational consumption to private residences, while medical users will be subject to the same use rules as those governing tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
Cannabis Lounges
Now, Ontario is considering the possibility of allowing cannabis lounges and has requested the public's opinion on the matter. It is unclear whether these lounges would be owned privately or whether they would also be owned and run by the Province. Many activists and politicians are in favour of these lounges, believing the current approach to consumption to be too restrictive.
These lounges already exist in Toronto and other cities across Ontario. One such café in Toronto's Kensington neighbourhood provides a communal space for customers to consume marijuana with equipment provided by the café. Though the lounge permits the recreational consumption marijuana, they do not sell the drug.
Marijuana and Leases
Landlords have also spoken up and they are seeking to be allowed to modify existing lease agreements once marijuana is legalized. For more information on this matter please refer to our previous blog by clicking here.
With recreational consumption forbiden in rental units, recreational users may have no location to consume marijuana legally. To address this concern, a proposal for the creation of outdoor common smoking space on a building's grounds has been presented, benefitting those with restrictions in their lease agreements. The advantages of doing this include:
- Limiting disruption to other tenants (no permeating smell if consumed indoors)
- Providing a social setting for tenants with restrictions in their lease
- Helping change the general perception of legal marijuana use
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.