The Cannabis Act would make it legal to produce, use, and sell cannabis in Canada for recreational purposes. If this legislation passes, the Government will leave it up to the Provinces to regulate distribution and sale by creating provincial cannabis regulations.
The Ontario Government recently announced its projected framework in anticipation of the Cannabis Act being passed. It’s focused on bringing in federal legalization in a safe and practical way. The proposed Ontario cannabis regulations would, if passed, ensure that cannabis will be treated as a controlled substance and therefore be subject to respective rules. These include regulations on its retail framework and how Ontarians can use it.
The government has indicated that revenues resulting from cannabis legalization will be reinvested into priorities like ensuring public health, responsible use, protecting and educating youth, eliminating the black market, maintaining community safety, and promoting harm reduction strategies.
Highlights of Ontario’s Proposed Cannabis Regulations Framework
Some of the key points of the proposed cannabis regulations in Ontario include:
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The Ontario government will mirror the retail model used by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (L.C.B.O.) for sales
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The minimum age for purchase and consumption will be 19 years
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Cannabis will be sold in retail locations but not alongside alcohol
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Private cannabis dispensaries are illegal and they will not be tolerated
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For the time being, recreational cannabis use will only be permitted to be used in private residences, however, plans for other venues are forthcoming
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Storefront locations will be scaled up in number, beginning with with 40 stores, then 80 stores by the end of the first year, and 150 stores by 2020
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Recreational cannabis will be available for purchase online
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Cannabis products will be kept behind the counter but not on shelves
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The new supplier will only purchase cannabis products for resale from Licensed Producers
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The government is not making any speculations regarding supply or demand at the moment
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The government is permitting people to smoke and vape cannabis but edibles won’t be available until 2019
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