Ontario weighs cannabis consumption lounges, special-occasion permits

Ontario’s government is asking businesses on cannabis consumption for lounges and cafes

Ontario’s government is asking businesses and other stakeholders whether it should consider regulating cannabis consumption for lounges and cafes as well as offering special-occasion permits for festivals and concerts.

The feedback period ends March 10.

“We are asking Ontarians to share their feedback as we explore certain expanded cannabis-related business opportunities as part of our responsible approach to protecting families and communities,” Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement.

The government said the feedback will inform potential decisions about business opportunities in an “open cannabis market” in the future.

It’s not the first time the province has consulted the public on cannabis lounges. The previous government also consulted the public on lounges before losing the 2018 provincial election.

Entrepreneurs should not expect any changes to be made in the near-term.

The consultation paper notes that the government is not considering changes to laws and regulations prohibiting smoking and vaping in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, including restaurant and bar patios.

The Canadian federal government regulates the cultivation and production of cannabis, while provinces administer their own retail systems.

Read the full article at MarijuanaBusinessDaily