Recreational Cannabis in Kawartha Lakes
All smoking or vaping of cannabis within the City of Kawartha Lakes is regulated under the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Any comments or questions should be referred to Lakelands Public Health.
Police services enforce criminal provisions (e.g. possession above legal limits, illegal sales)
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates, inspects, and enforces retail compliance, licensing, age limits, and illegal retail operations.
Consumption
Cannabis may be consumed on private property. This includes cannabis in any form (smoking, vaping or edibles), subject to the provisions of any lease agreements or condominium by-laws.
Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017
Smoking and vaping of cannabis is prohibited everywhere the smoke of tobacco is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university/college residences;
- at schools, on school grounds and all public areas with 20 metres of these grounds;
- on grounds of community recreational facilities and public areas within 20 metres of those grounds; and,
- on children’s playgrounds and public areas within 20 metres of playgrounds.
Legislation
Federal
Recreational cannabis was legalized on October 17, 2018 by the Federal Government. It is now legal to purchase and use cannabis products for recreational purposes across Canada. For Federal legislation, please refer to the Federal government's Cannabis in Canada webpage.
Provincial
In Ontario, recreational cannabis can be purchased online through the Ontario Cannabis Store, and is available for purchase through provincially licensed private recreational cannabis retail stores. For Provincial legislation, please refer to the Ontario government's Cannabis legislation webpage.
Retail Stores
On January 15, 2019, Council decided to allow private recreational cannabis retail stores in Kawartha Lakes. More information can be found in the staff presentation and report. Cannabis retail sales are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). An AGCO list of established retail locations, regulatory framework and link to their online complain process can be found at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website.
