Cannabis Lounge Frustration

There are more calls for cannabis cafés, reports the Canadian Press, as cannabis lounge frustration grows. The news article refers to Ontario’s July 2020 decision not to allow indoor cannabis consumption areas. It also states that such lounges are “always under review” in the Yukon, but that seems more optimistic than realistic. Same for Manitoba, which it reports will review the question in 2022. However, CP admits, most provinces and territories told them that cannabis lounges are not even under consideration.

Will Cannabis Lounge Frustration Drive Change from Within the Industry? – LPC

But there are some promising signs that cannabis lounges may rise up from grassroots movement. The article also details what may be Ontario’s first legal cannabis consumption café, Behind the Bend. Owner Laura Bradley said she wanted to provide a safe, legal space for Grand Bend residents.

“I’ve just been trying to support my clients and provide them with a space that is safe, so they’re not going to feel like they’re going to get in trouble or get hassled,” said Bradley.

So far, she hasn’t been hassled either, she said. “I go above and beyond, so we don’t raise any eyebrows in any direction,” she said.

For example, Bradley ensures her staff members have Smart Serve training. Although designed for those serving alcohol, the skills and knowledge would be somewhat transferrable.

“None of the governing bodies that have been here has said, ‘We are going to write it up that you have permission to operate,’ but they’ve all said, ‘you’re not giving us a reason to shut you down.’”

Similarly, Richard Browne of Alchemy Canna Co. in Toronto eased his own cannabis lounge frustration by plunking down two picnic tables near his cannabis shop. He said it’s legal because it’s far enough away from the store entrance. He plans to add barriers and expand as necessary.

Winter Will Heighten Cannabis Lounge Frustration – LPC

However, these are summer solutions for the most part. Winter will dampen spirits and heighten cannabis lounge frustration as the cold shuts them down. (Except, perhaps, for a few brave souls at curling bonspiels.)

CP blames the pandemic on the situation. “The cannabis industry… has long awaited regulations allowing consumption spaces, but has instead seen little progress and a health crisis extinguish hopes that such laws are nearing.”

The reality is that anti-smoking laws including the Smoke-Free Ontario Act are likely the larger problem than COVID. It will be hard for any government to justify cannabis smoking in areas where tobacco smoking is not allowed.

Still, long-term solutions could be found if cannabis lounge owners continue to get creative within the rules. According to Jaclynn Pehota, executive director of the Association of Canadian Cannabis Retailers (ACCRES), cannabis retailers in BC believe consumption spaces are the second-most important issue after allowing small craft cannabis operations being able to sell directly to cannabis retailers.

So hope isn’t completely lost, despite the current cannabis lounge frustrations. It appears that if governments aren’t prepared to make a framework, enterprising cannabis retailers will be able to create their own.

Read the Full Canadian Press Story on the CTV News Site

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