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Recreational Cannabis

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HomeLiving HereBy-laws/Municipal Code - Regulations & PoliciesRecreational Cannabis

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As of Oct. 17, 2018, under federal legislation, cannabis use for recreational purposes has become legal across Canada. 

Adults 19 years of age or older are able to:

  • purchase cannabis online at the Ontario Cannabis Store
  • grow up to four plants per residence (not per person)
  • possess up to 30 grams of dried legal cannabis

The province is responsible for setting in place regulations for the use and sale of cannabis in Ontario. 

Beginning April 2019 purchase of cannabis is expected to be available through provincially licensed private recreation cannabis retail stores.

 Frequently Asked Questions
 
 Where can I smoke/vape cannabis?

The smoking and vaping of cannabis is prohibited everywhere that smoking of tobacco is prohibited. 

This includes:

  • enclosed public places and workplaces
  • indoor common areas in condos, apartments and residences (college/university)
  • on school grounds and all public areas within 20 meters of these grounds
  • on grounds of community recreational facilities and public areas within 20 meters of the facility grounds

City of Orillia owned or leased properties are smoke and vape free (effective  May 15, 2019).  Smoking or vaping any tobacco, cannabis, e-liquid and herbal material used for waterpipes is prohibited in the following locations owned or leased by the City of Orillia:

  • any property upon which is located a municipal building, park or beach
  • any parking lot, trail, walkway, or lane
  • any dock
  • on or within a vehicle located on City-owned or leased property
  • on or within a boat located or moored on City-owned or leased property

City of Orillia owned or leased properties include: City parks, beaches, trails, parking lots, recreation facilities, municipal facilities, 70 Front St. N. (Metro Plaza), Nordia (2 Hunter Valley Rd.), Port of Orillia, Stephen Leacock Museum, Orillia Opera House and Orillia Public Library.

For further details on Smoke/Vape Free Orillia, visit orillia.ca/smokefree.

 What are the health effects of cannabis smoke?

There is no safe way to inhale cannabis. Smoke is smoke and it is dangerous to lung health. Cannabis smoke has thousands of chemicals in it and studies have shown that this smoke is similar to tobacco smoke, containing many of the same cancer causing substance and toxic chemicals.

 Where can I legally buy cannabis?
There are no legal retail cannabis stores within Simcoe County. Online sales are available through the Ontario Cannabis Store.
Who do I contact about operating a private retail cannabis store in Orillia? 

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the regulator for private cannabis retail stores in Ontario. Find information about the AGCO's licensing regulations and application process on their website.  Due to a national shortage in cannabis supply from federally licensed producers, the Ontario government has decided to take a phased approach with respect to the opening of cannabis retail stores. The AGCO will only permit up to 25 stores in the initial phase of private recreational cannabis retail starting April 1, 2019. The 25 stores will only be located in Ontario municipalities with a population that is greater than 50,000. The cap will remain in place until the supply shortage is addressed.

For questions related to zoning restrictions for cannabis retail stores or cannabis production facilities, please contact the City’s Development Services Office via email or by telephone at 705-325-2622..

Who do I contact regarding illegal cannabis sales/distribution/growing/possession?

To report:

  • Unlicensed sale or distribution of cannabis
  • Someone growing more than the allowed number of plants
  • Underage possession or consumption of cannabis
  • Possession above the prescribed limits

Contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Who do I contact to report someone consuming cannabis while driving or driving while impaired?

Using cannabis while driving or driving while impaired is illegal and dangerous. Contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. 

 Are edibles legal?
It is not legal to buy or sell edibles. People who are 19 years and older may make their own cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents (i.e. dangerous chemicals) are not used.
 What can be done about smoke in your rental unit?

Cannabis may be consumed in a rental unit (smoking or vaping), subject to the provisions of any lease agreement. You can:

  • Talk with other people in the building to see if they want a smoke-free building
  • Ask your landlord to make your building smoke-free

If smoking is occurring contrary to a lease agreement, the landlord as owner of the building would have to pursue action through the Residential Tenancies Act which oversees all lease agreements

What is the limitation on where you can smoke/vape cannabis for medical purposes?

Cannabis Regulations under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act prohibits smoking/vaping cannabis for medical purposes in public places (includes the sidewalk area) in the following locations:

  • An entrance and/or exit to a City-owned or leased building
  • Any point on the perimeter of a parking lot, trail, walkway, lane, children’s playground, sporting area, spectator area adjacent to a sporting area, and beach
  • Any point on the perimeter of the grounds of a community recreational facility

Upon request from an officer, a person shall immediately produce a copy of one of the following:

1) Medical document provided by an authorized health care practitioner, 

2) Valid registration certificate issued by Health Canada for possession only,

3) Valid registration document issued by a federally licensed seller, or

4) Valid registration certificate issued by Health Canada for personal production.

Enforcement

If you have questions or you want to report smoking or vaping in prohibited outdoor areas, please contact the City’s By-law Office at:

Phone: 705-325-2313

Email: By-law@orillia.ca

To help investigate complaints, provide:

  • Your name and phone number or email for follow-up
  • Date and time you saw smoking/vaping in prohibited outdoor areas
  • Description of person or people smoking/vaping
  • The location where you saw people smoking/vaping

If you have questions or you want to report smoking or vaping cannabis in prohibited indoor areas, such as work or schools, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Heath Unit at:

Phone: 1-877-721-7520

Resources
  • Cannabis Talk Kit 
  • Caring for Kids Information Sheet

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