Marijuana in OntarioUncategorizedAugust 21, 2018Recently, the provincial government has announced how they will go about selling marijuana in the province of Ontario. Finance Minister Vic Fedeli and Attorney General Caroline Mulroney announced immediately the government will introduce an online retail channel for cannabis, to be followed by a private retail model by April 1, 2019. “We will be ready to put in place a safe, legal system for cannabis retail that will protect consumers,” said Mulroney. “We will also be ready to undermine the illegal market and protect Ontario’s roads. Most importantly of all, we will be ready to protect our kids.” Starting on October 17, consumers who are 19 and over will be able to purchase cannabis via an online retail platform provided by the Ontario Cannabis Store. “The Government of Ontario will not be in the business of running physical cannabis stores,” said Fedeli. “Instead, we will work with private sector businesses to build a safe, reliable retail system that will divert sales away from the illegal market.” The OCS online channel will include a verification system that will ensure safe at home delivery for cannabis products, thereby meeting the federally imposed obligation that provinces be ready for retail sales for the start of legalization. How is the government going to bring about the private retail model? As part of this process the government will begin consultations with municipalities, Indigenous communities, law enforcement, public health advocates, businesses and consumer groups and representatives of the other provinces with private retail to ensure that Ontario’s private retail model remains safe while helping to eliminate the illegal market. Other measures to be enacted by the government by the new cannabis retail distribution framework include: New road safety laws include serious penalties that will increase consequences and costs for those who drive under the influence of cannabis and other drugs. Zero-tolerance for impaired young, novice or commercial drivers. Severely escalating fines, for any retailer or dispensary who continues to operate in the illicit markets. Police officers will be authorized to use oral fluid screening devices at roadside to enforce the law. Municipalities will be able to opt out permitting retail stores within their boundaries, but this is a one time window only. The province will provide $40 million to municipalities over two years to help local governments with community safety efforts. If you plan to start a business in the emerging marijuana industry be sure to contact one of our brokers and find out how you can protect yourself and your business by calling (416)494-1268.