The Ontario government’s new rules for private pot stores set a minimum distance from schools of 150 metres.

Under former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne’s plan for recreational cannabis, the product would have been sold out of government stores that were a minimum of 450 metres from schools.

Premier Doug Ford had previously criticized the 450 metres setback as too little.

“I won’t put (cannabis stores] beside schools like you did,” Ford told Wynne during an election debate.

Ford’s government dumped the Wynne plan for recreational cannabis stores which involved a very limited number of outlets.

The Tory plan will allow hundreds of private cannabis shops to set up, open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Attorney General Caroline Mulroney released a statement Wednesday with more details including the 150-metre setback, which applies to private and First Nations schools as well.

“This distance buffer will help protect students and keep communities safe, while other regulations will combat the influence and participation of organized crime in the legal licensed framework,” the statement says.

Private cannabis stores must be stand-alone operations, and no single operator can control more than 75 outlets.

No one under the age of 19 will be allowed to enter the store.

aartuso@postmedia.com