On October 17, 2018, under federal legislation, cannabis use for recreational purposes became legal across Canada. The province has established regulations for the use and sale of cannabis in Ontario.
Everyone has questions or concerns about the potential impact legal cannabis will have in our country, our province and in our own neighbourhoods. The Township is committed to working with community partners and other levels of government for the safe implementation of this new legislation.
On January 14, 2019, Council will be considering opting in or out of allowing cannabis retail locations in Wilmot. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the survey. The results of the survey questions only (no personal information will be released), will be presented to Council on January 14, feedback can be given as part of that Public Meeting on January 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. A Notice of Public Meeting has been posted on this website and in the New Hamburg Independent.
The Basic Facts |
Non-medical cannabis use is legal in Canada as of Oct. 17, 2018. Under the new laws in Ontario, adults 19 years of age or older can:
Using cannabis and driving is illegal and dangerous. Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows your reaction time and increases your chances of being in a collision. Learn more about impaired driving on the Ministry of Transportation’s website. Under the new legislation, you will be able to grow up to four plants per residence (not per person). It remains illegal for travellers to take cannabis out of Canada or to bring it back from other countries. The rules and regulations related to cannabis may be different in other provinces and territories. The law on cannabis use for medical purposes is different and can be found at Health Canada. |
Where Cannabis Can and Cannot Be Used |
The Smoke Free Ontario Act 2107 regulates where medical and recreational cannabis may or may not be used. This legislation is enforced locally by the Region of Waterloo Public Health. Generally, this means smoking cannabis will be allowed wherever smoking cigarettes or vaping is permitted and banned where smoking cigarettes or vaping is banned.
It is prohibited in:
*Additional restrictions may exist in lease agreements, and under the policies of employers, condo boards, and property owners. It will be allowed in:
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Who to Contact |
Please contact your Member of Parliament or Members of Provincial Parliament. if you concerns or questions regarding the federal or provincial legislation.
To report illegal cannabis sales/distribution/growingAs of Oct. 17, 2018, the Ontario Cannabis Store website will be the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. To report the unlicensed sale or distribution of cannabis, or someone growing more than the allowed number of plants, contact the Waterloo Regional Police Services. To report smoking or vaping of cannabis where it is not permittedWhere smoking or vaping cannabis is permitted is regulated under the Smoke Free Ontario Act. If you observe someone consuming cannabis where it is not permitted – like on school property or bus shelter, contact the Region of Waterloo Public Health. To report someone under the age of 19 consuming cannabisIt is illegal to buy or consume cannabis if you are under the age of 19. To report illegal use by a minor, contact Waterloo Regional Police Services. To report someone consuming cannabis while driving or driving while impairedUsing cannabis and driving is illegal and dangerous. Call Waterloo Regional Police Services. If cannabis use is interfering with your enjoyment of public or private propertyUnfortunately, if someone is consuming cannabis in accordance with the federal and provincial regulations, there is little municipalities can do if that legal recreational use interferes with your enjoyment of private or public property. If the residence is a rental property or condominium, the landlord may be able to take action if the lease or condominium agreement prohibits use. |
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