Recreational cannabis was legalized by the Federal Government on October 17, 2018.
In Ontario, we have new laws that tell us how, where and who can buy and have cannabis:
See: Ontario Cannabis Legislation
Regulations for private retails sales are currently being drafted by Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General; these regulations are anticipated to be in place for April 1, 2019.
The Ontario government is also moving forward with a tightly regulated private retail model for cannabis that will launch by April 1, 2019. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the provincial regulator authorized to grant store licences. The Ontario Cannabis Store will be the exclusive wholesaler to these stores. Private stores will be introduced with strict controls to safeguard children and youth and combat the illegal market.
Municipalities are being offered the opportunity to opt out of having a retail store in their community and must so by January 22, 2019. Municipalities may opt in at a later date. If a municipality decides to opt in, they cannot chose to opt out at a later date.
On December 12th, 2018, Markham Council has passed a Proclamation banning retail stores in Markham, however Council can reconsider this decision at a later date.
Ward 5 Councillor Andrew Keyes spoke on this issue at the December 12th Council meeting.
