Ontario introduces new rules
On November 14, 2018, the Ontario government published its long-awaited regulations for the licensing and operation of private cannabis stores in the province. The regulations are strict, keeping with the government’s stated objective of “protecting children and youth, keeping communities and roads safe, and combating the illegal market.” Private retail is anticipated to begin April 1, 2019 under the close oversight of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Ontario is currently the only Canadian province with no ‘bricks and mortar’ stores, private or public. The following are the highlights of the Ontario government announcement.