Meaningful Consultation

Ontario announced a new consultation about cannabis consumption venues + event permits. Per @douglasdowney: “We don’t have any specific policies that we’re looking at. This is a true listening exercise.” The catch? Seems the province has *selective hearing.*

The consultation is an opportunity for “the public, businesses, health and other stakeholders to comment on potential new cannabis opportunities, including consumption venues and special occasion permits for events such as outdoor festivals and concerts.”

BUT... Ontario is only “collecting feedback now to explore future policies.” i.e. no changes to existing legislation are expected. There is also no time frame whatsoever for additional changes that may be informed by this process.

Ontario’s smoke-free laws will remain intact, meaning no public indoor smoking or vaping allowed. As @trinafraser points out, this significantly restricts the scope of what this consultation will cover.

Even in the best case scenario, @harjord warns that “those hoping for infused cuisine, or bespoke cannabis cocktails at their local Keg restaurant shouldn’t get their hopes up.” Why? Cannabis can still only legally be sold pre-packaged by LPs.