But don't expect any changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act

If you imagined that legalizing cannabis would mean weed-infused menus in restaurants, smoking and vaping spaces at music festivals or above-board lounges, now’s the time to share your vision with the Ontario government.

From Feb. 10 to March 10, 2020, the province is inviting feedback from the public about cannabis consumption establishments and special occasion permits. The community consultations could inform how and where you can consume pot socially.

Currently, Ontario’s few cannabis lounges allow vaping and dabbing indoors and smoking on patios, but they operate in a legal grey area because it’s not allowed under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Only licensed cannabis retailers are permitted to sell cannabis products, and there are no special permits available to festival organizers to carve out weed-smoking areas.

“Cannabis consumption establishments and special occasion permits, if brought forward, would facilitate the purchase and consumption of cannabis in specified social settings (e.g. cafés, entertainment venues, festivals and events),” reads the consultation form, linked from a press release.

But if you’re hoping to see legal lounges as part of this consultation process, don’t hold your breath: “The government is not considering changes to the SFOA regime as part of this consultation,” reads the form. Rather, smoke-free ways to consume, such as edibles, are seeming more realistic as part of this process, as well as expanded options of places you will be able to buy cannabis, such as coffee shops.

The form asks for feedback about growing the number and types of sites for sale and consumption; special permits for consuming at festivals and events and how involved municipal governments should be in the process.

“Ontario continues to take a responsible approach to cannabis retail sales across Ontario, allowing private sector businesses to build a safe and convenient retail system to combat the illegal market while keeping our kids and communities safe,” said Attorney General Doug Downey in the press release. “We are asking Ontarians to share their feedback as we explore certain expanded cannabis-related business opportunities as part of our responsible approach to protecting families and communities. What we hear from the public and expert groups will help to inform possible next steps.”

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