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Don't expect any Amsterdam-style coffeeshops in Ontario any time soon.

I’m not quite sure why there’s a big difference between allowing people to use an illegal product in a legal way and allowing them to use a legal product in an illegal way — either way, some law is being broken. But changes to the provincial law obviously gave these businesses pause.

Now, the Ontario government is taking a (small) step in the right direction by announcing that it is engaging in public consultations over the prospect of allowing cannabis consumption in “specified social settings,” such as in cafés and at outdoor concerts and festivals. The only caveat: “The government is not considering changes to the SFOA regime as part of this consultation,” according to a government form soliciting feedback from the public.

In other words, don’t expect any Amsterdam-style “coffeeshops” in Ontario any time soon.

Photo by Michel Porro/Newsmakers

This is unfortunate because, while allowing some businesses to offer edibles and cannabis-infused beverages would be a step in the right direction, most consumers prefer to consume cannabis the traditional way — by inhaling it.

Indeed, when BDS Analytics looked at the top-selling products in California, Colorado and Oregon in the first half of 2018, the Top 3 were flower, vape cartridges and pre-rolled joints. In fact, out of the Top 10 cannabis products, only two were edibles.

It’s understandable that in an age in which governments have outlawed smoking just about everywhere, they would be reluctant to make an exemption for cannabis. But there are a number of differences when it comes to marijuana.