Cannabis Retail Stores

The City of Sarnia is engaging the public to obtain feedback on the option for municipalities to opt-out of Cannabis Retail Stores. The municipality must make this decision prior to the January 22, 2019 Provincial opt-out deadline.

Background

On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act came into force.

The Cannabis Act creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada. The Act aims to accomplish 3 goals:

• keep cannabis out of the hands of youth
• keep profits out of the pockets of criminals
• protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis

In Ontario, the Ontario Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Highway Traffic Acts, (2017) govern production, distribution, sale, consumption and possession of cannabis, including:

• where and when cannabis can and cannot be used
• recreational cannabis sales
• how much you are permitted to carry
• growing cannabis

Cannabis Retail Stores

As of October 17, 2018 the legal sale of cannabis is restricted to online sales through the Provincially operated Ontario Cannabis Store (OSC). The Province of Ontario is launching a private retail model for cannabis on April 1, 2019. This framework will be used to help municipalities work with potential business owners who wish to open a cannabis retail store. The municipal deadline to opt-out of the private retail model is January 22, 2019.

The Province of Ontario has indicated that private stores will be introduced with strict controls to safeguard children and youth and combat the illegal market. No regulations have been announced at this time.