dispensary

Ontario to shut down all pot shops and open their own

Oh, hey. Did you think that maybe after weed is legalized in Canada you'd be able to step out and pick some up at the corner store like a bag of milk? Think again.

The Ontario government is reportedly set to roll out its own storefronts to maintain a tight grip over marijuana sales. As many as 150 provincial dispensaries could open as part of the plan.

As the July 2018 deadline for marijuana legalization in Canada looms, a control board is in works, which would ultimately result in the shut down of dispensaries across the province over the next year in favour of a government-controlled retail system.

This comes as part of the overall plan to restrict access to weed, which will include a minimum purchasing age of 19, taxes, public education about the product, and other stipulations.

This is obviously bad news for the many small business owners who will see their dispensaries boarded up, and the decision will surely add to the raging debate about regulations and the role of the government in controlling the sale of pot.

Lead photo by

Mary Crandall


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Here are all the 2025 statutory holidays in Canada

Huge stretch of TTC subway spanning 11 stations closed for the next 2 weekends

Most people in Toronto now think that the city is moving in the wrong direction

11 million Canada Post parcels now undelivered ahead of Black Friday

Busy Toronto street kicks off major makeover set to wrap in 2025

Here's how much money you could save during Canada's GST holiday

Huge changes planned to 'transform' a major Toronto street

Canadians working in certain fields can expect a big pay bump in 2025