Legal marijuana will start as an online exclusive
- Robert
- 14 Aug 2018
As the legalization of marijuana quickly approaches, access to recreational cannabis will only be available online.
Online sales will be operated by a government agency called the Ontario Cannabis Store.
Despite starting with an online only approach, the Ontario government still plans to introduce private retail models. The government’s goal is to open retail locations across the province starting April 1, 2019.
According to Attorney General Caroline Mulroney, the government’s key objective for introducing online first and delaying retail stores is public safety.
As there are many illegal pot shops still in operation, it’ll be clear that all stores running from now until April are not government regulated. When purchasing cannabis from an illegal operation, there is no guarantee as to what strain or variety one is receiving.
When retail locations do open, municipalities can opt out of having any pot shops within their boundaries
The rules of selling and purchasing recreational marijuana in Ontario are similar to that of liquor and beer.
The legal age to buy is 19, and those caught either selling or giving marijuana to those under 19 will face large fines.
While the idea of only selling marijuana online for the first six months of its legalization seems savvy, it does pose a few concerns.
Anyone who has access to a credit card, whether it’s bank issued or a pre-paid visa, is able to make an online purchase. Without tight regulations or ways to ID people online, individuals under 19 can easily access the drug.
What do you think about the online only approach? What are your concerns moving forward? Let us know in the comments.
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