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Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says he won’t support creation of cannabis lounges in the city, an idea being floated by the provincial government as the country heads toward legalizing recreational pot.

“As the former Minister of Health Promotion, Mayor Watson does not want to make it easier for people to smoke any substance, including cannabis, in lounges,” said a statement from Watson’s office. “This would also put the health of workers at risk by inhaling second-hand smoke.”

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The province has asked the public to weigh in on the idea of lounges as one solution to the dilemma of where people will be allowed to consume cannabis.

Ontario has passed legislation that prohibits consuming marijuana in public, essentially forcing people to light up at home. Critics point out that people who live in apartment buildings and condos that ban smoking will have no legal place to smoke pot.

Last week the province said it will consider allowing both cannabis lounges and smoking/vaping areas outside multi-unit buildings such as apartments and condos.