FIVE THINGS ABOUT CANNABIS LOUNGES

1 THE CONCEPT

Ontario is considering allowing licensed cannabis consumption lounges once recreational marijuana is legalized this summer, and is asking the public to weigh in. The proposal is being met with optimism by some cannabis activists and municipal politicians who say the province’s approach on where legal weed can be consumed has been too restrictive.

2 THE DETAILS

On Thursday, the province asked for feedback on a slew of regulatory changes to clarify where recreational and medical cannabis can be consumed. Among them is the possibility of permitting “licensed and regulated cannabis consumption lounges and venues.”

3 THE BACKGROUND

That’s what Abi Roach, owner of a private Toronto cannabis lounge since 2003, has been asking the province to do for six years. Roach appeared before a legislative committee in November and urged politicians to ease rules around where the drug could be consumed. She said she wanted a shift from what she sees as policy based on “90 years of prohibitionist mentality.”

4 THE COMMENT

“In an urban setting you have to take into consideration your neighbours,” Roach said. “Maybe your neighbour has children. Maybe they’re not really into it. Maybe your neighbour has respiratory issues. … People who are in the cannabis business do not want to be criminals.”

5 THE PLAN

Andrew Rudyk, spokesman for Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, said the province is taking a cautious approach. “There are no immediate plans to make … these changes as we are just taking this opportunity to get early feedback.