Ontario Will Allow Cannabis Use Wherever Tobacco Use Is Permitted

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]W[/dropcap]ith legal recreational cannabis coming to Canada next month, the province of Ontario announced this week that people in the province will be allowed to use cannabis anywhere tobacco use is also permitted.

Ontario Attorney Caroline Mulroney and General Finance Minister Vic Fedeli announced that the government intends to update the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to require people that consume cannabis to follow the same rules as tobacco smokers. Smoking in enclosed spaces, within nine meters of a public building, or within 20 meters of where children play will still be prohibited.

“We’re aligning with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act,” Mulroney said. “If you’re able to smoke tobacco in your home then you’ll be able to use cannabis as well.”

Under previous consumption rules, smoking cannabis was only permitted in a private Ontario residence. Smoking cannabis in vehicles that are being operated will be prohibited, and breaking the rules would see people subjected to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000. The new public smoking regulations are sure to ease the minds of cannabis consumers living in rental properties in Ontario, as landlords are allowed to prohibit cannabis smoking on their properties to protect the rights of tenants that want to remain smoke-free.

Officials in Ontario have already proposed a regulation that would allow cannabis consumption in hotel rooms, which industry experts predict will be a boost for local tourism. The regulations wouldn’t allow cannabis to be smoked or vaped, however.

Recreational cannabis is set to being in Canada October 17 and will allow anyone over the age of 19 to use cannabis. The government announced last month that it would sell recreational cannabis online when it is legalized, with retail stores set to open in April next year. The province announced the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will regulate the marketplace, giving it the power to grant or revoke licenses as well as enforce provincial rules on cannabis sales.