Cannabis and You

What you need to know

Read the questions and answers below to keep up to date on the impact of recreational cannabis legalization in Smiths Falls.

For more detailed information about the legalization of cannabis please visit:
Alcohol and Gaming Commission
Ontario Cannabis Store
Province of Ontario
Government of Canada

Where CAN I smoke or vape recreational cannabis after October 17, 2018?
Smoking of recreational cannabis is legal wherever smoking of tobacco is legal, subject to the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA).

According to the SFOA, you can smoke or vape cannabis in the following locations:

• Private residences
• Outdoor public places (sidewalks, parks)
• Designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
• Residential vehicles and boats that meet certain criteria (ie. have permanent sleeping accommodations etc.)
• Scientific research and testing facilities (if cannabis is used for scientific research and testing)
• Controlled areas in specified locations such as:
  • Long-term care homes
  • Certain retirement homes
  • Residential hospices
  • Provincially-funded supportive housing
  • Designated psychiatric facilities or veterans’ facilities

Additional restrictions may exist in lease agreements and in the policies of employers and property owners.

Where CAN’T I smoke or vape recreational cannabis?
You can’t smoke or vape recreational cannabis in the following locations:

• Indoors, including:
  • In common areas in condominiums
  • Apartment buildings
  • University or college residences
  • Enclosed public places and work places
  • Non-designated guest rooms in hotels, motels and inns
• Schools and places where children gather, including:
  • At school, on school grounds and public areas within 20 metres of these grounds
  • On children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20 metres of playgrounds
  • In childcare centres, or where an early years program is provided
  • In places where home child care is provided, even if children aren’t present
• Hospices, hospitals, care homes and other facilities
  • Within 9 metres of the entrance or exit of a hospital, psychiatric facility, long-term care home, independent health facilities
  • Outdoor grounds of hospitals and psychiatric facilities
  • In non-controlled areas in long-term care homes, certain retirement homes, provincially funded supportive housing, designated psychiatric or veterans’ facilities, and residential hospices
• Publicly owned spaces (including publicly owned sports fields, not including golf courses) or within 20 metres of these areas
• Vehicles and boats that are being driven, or are at risk of being driven
• Other outdoor areas, including:
  • In restaurants and patios and in public areas within nine metres of a patio
  • On outdoor grounds of ANY municipal or other government office buildings
  • In reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations
  • On the grounds of community recreational facilities, in parks, and within 20 metres of those grounds
  • In sheltered outdoor areas with a roof and more than two walls which the public or employees frequent, or are invited to (i.e. bus shelter)

What rights do tenants and homeowners have regarding smoking and growing cannabis in a rental property?
Please refer to the Landlord and Tenant Board for information relating to smoking and growing cannabis in a rental property. They can be found online at www.sjto.gov.on.ca/ltb.

Where will recreational cannabis be sold in Ontario?
Recreational cannabis will be sold online only beginning October 17^th, 2018 through the Ontario Cannabis Store. After April 1, 2019, it’s expected that private cannabis retail stores will be operational.

When will private cannabis retail stores be allowed in Ontario?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is aiming to open the application process for store operator licenses in December 2018, and for the first retail stores to be operational as of April 1, 2019.

I’m using medical cannabis; can I still buy my cannabis from my current supplier?
Medical cannabis users can continue to access cannabis the same way they do now.

Who can grow cannabis? Can I grow cannabis from my home?
Canadian residents over the age of 19 can grow up to four cannabis plants per residence for personal use.

Who can buy recreational cannabis after October 17, 2018?
Anyone over the age of 19 will be able to purchase recreational cannabis after it becomes legalized on October 17, 2018.

Where can I buy recreational cannabis?
If you are over the age of 19, you can buy cannabis online through the Ontario Cannabis Store  website at www.ocscannabisupdates.com. Residents will be able to purchase up to 30 grams (or roughly one ounce) of dried recreational cannabis at one time for personal use. After April 1, 2019, you will be able to purchase cannabis through private Cannabis Retail Stores.

Can I buy Cannabis at the Tweed Visitors Centre in Smiths Falls?
After April 1, 2019, you will be able to purchase cannabis through private Retail Cannabis Stores. The proposed legislation says that licensed producers can sell products at one of their facilities in Ontario.

Who can I call if I suspect illegal activity?
Contact the Smiths Falls Police Service at 613-283-0357 to file a report of any suspected criminal activity. In the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.