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The recent launch of Ottawa’s first cannabis vapour lounge has garnered plenty of attention, both positive and negative.

BuzzOn Vapour Lounge opened on April 20 on Montreal Road in Vanier and drew 25 customers a day during its week-long “soft launch.” It also had visits from the Ottawa police.

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The owner, Wayne Robillard, says his business model is the same as other such lounges in big cities like Toronto that are typically left alone by the law. He says what he is doing is legal — simply providing a space for cannabis users, many of whom hold medical marijuana licences supplied by their doctors — to consume the drug.

What is BuzzOn’s business model?

Robillard allows members to use his vaporizers. The machines, which retail for between $450 and $650, are the cleanest and safest way to consume cannabis. Because vaporizers can be too expensive for individual users, there is a market for vapour lounge memberships. His are $7 a day.