Blazing the Path on Legal Cannabis Sales
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018, many people remain unclear of the rules that surround the sale and purchase of cannabis in Ontario.
Cannabis Purchasing Laws
Here are the facts about the sale and purchase of cannabis in Ontario:
- For those who are 19 years of age or over, cannabis may be purchased online through the Ontario Cannabis Store website or in person at an authorized retail location.
- Consumers can purchase up to 30 grams of dried recreational cannabis or equivalent at one time for personal use.
- Individuals purchasing cannabis from an unauthorized retailer may be subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year.
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS.ca) website is the only store where consumers can legally purchase all forms of recreational cannabis online. Though the online market is flooded with similar retailers, OCS.ca is the only authorized online retailer that is regulated by the Canadian government.
The regulations include:
- Ensuring that parcels arrive to the correct, of-age recipient, consumers are required to verify their age when accepting a delivery.
- Packages will not be left unattended at the door.
To facilitate the growing demand for recreational cannabis and to combat illegal black market cannabis sales, Ontario will be removing the cap on the number of cannabis stores in the province and eliminate pre-qualification rules for new retailers. This shift towards an open retail market is intended to provide consumers with access to a more convenient and safe supply of cannabis while protecting Ontario’s youth and community. The goal is to prevent unregulated cannabis that may contain contaminants and toxins from entering the market. It is anticipated that there will be approximately 250 new stores across Ontario by the end of 2020.
If you have questions about the legalization of cannabis in Ontario, contact the team the Brown Beattie O’Donovan.
Blog written by: Vicky Medeiros
