Government Relations Frequently Asked Questions Government RelationsSection Menu In this section Government RelationsCurrently selectedOur PartnersOur Goals and AchievementsGovernment ResponsibilitiesCity of Brampton's Funding Advocacy PrioritiesArchivesCustomer CareContact UsUseful Links Page ContentRecreational Cannabis Information Questions About Use / Consumption Does the Smoke-Free Ontario Act apply to medical cannabis?The proposed changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act will apply to smoking of medical cannabis and will be treated like tobacco and recreational cannabis (subject to any duty to accommodate for medicinal use).Is there any change to medical cannabis laws?The federal government has confirmed there will be no change to medical cannabis laws. Medical cannabis will continue to be subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government.Is recreational cannabis legal in Brampton?As of October 17, 2018, use of recreational cannabis is legal in Ontario, including in Brampton. Customers will be able to buy cannabis online from the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation. The private retail model will be launched by April 1, 2019. Municipalities have a one-time opportunity to opt out of cannabis retail stores by January 22, 2019.Where is smoking of recreational cannabis prohibited?Smoking of cannabis will be prohibited in the same places where the smoking of tobacco is prohibited. This includes: indoor common areas in condos, apartment buildings and university/college residences enclosed public places and enclosed work places schools and places where children gather within 9 metres radius of any entrance or exit of a hospital within 20 metres from publicly-owned sport fields (not including golf courses), community recreational facilities, nearby spectator and public areas vehicles and boats bar patios and public areas within 9 metres of a patio transit terminals and bus shelters reserved seating areas at outdoor sports and entertainment locations For more information on restricted places of use and, visit the Ontario Cannabis Legalization website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization.Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns regarding the use of cannabis?Contact Service Brampton (311) if you have inquiries or concerns regarding the illegal use of cannabis. In addition to enforcing local by-laws, the City will direct relevant inquiries to the Region of Peel, Peel Regional Police and/or Alcohol and Gaming Commission Ontario as required.My child/pet has consumed a cannabis product (leaves, oils, etc.) by accident, what should I do?If a child consumes cannabis, or any product containing cannabis, call the Ontario Poison Centre right away at 1-800-268-9017. All drugs, medications, and other substances that can harm children should be stored safely in a locked cupboard, box, or other container. Keep them locked up tight and out of sight.Can I use cannabis in condos or apartment buildings*? Smoking of cannabis will be prohibited in the same places where the smoking of tobacco is prohibited. You cannot smoke or vape in any common areas of condos or apartment buildings. Examples of common areas include: elevators, stairwells, hallways, parking garages laundry facilities lobbies exercise areas party or entertainment rooms *Additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in municipal by-laws, condominium corporation policies, lease agreements, and the policies of employers and property owners. For more information on places of use and restrictions, visit the Ontario Cannabis Legalization website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization.What is the update on cannabis in edible form?On December 20, 2019, Health Canada launched public consultations on draft regulations governing the production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals. The consultation period will close on February 20, 2019. For more information and/or to participate please visit the Government of Canada website, available here. Questions About Personal Production Are residents allowed to grow cannabis on their property?You are able to grow up to four plants per residence (not per person). What are the fire safety measures for growing cannabis at home? Community risk assessment by Brampton Fire and Emergency Services shows that 31% of fatal fires in the home were caused by improperly discarded smoking material. Residents are advised not to grow beyond the legal limit of four plants per household, and not to make any modification to their electrical system or use high heat lamps as they are a serious fire risk. Cannabis users are also asked not to cook while under influence or smoke while tired. Questions About Private Retailers Do cannabis stores have to keep a distance from schools?Yes, they will need to observe a minimum distance of 150 metres from schools. Based on the distance restriction, the properties that are zoned to permit retail establishments are highlighted on this map available on the City website. Ward-specific maps are also available at the bottom of this webpage. Can the public provide feedback to the City on a proposed cannabis retail store locationThe public is advised to provide feedback directly to the AGCO on the iAGCO portal. More information about filing a written submission is available on the AGCO Cannabis Submission Page. How can I stay informed on the new cannabis retail store application?The AGCO will share information about cannabis regulations and the licensing process as it becomes available. Subscribe to AGCO cannabis email list to receive updates. Will the City of Brampton issue a public notification for all proposed cannabis retail stores in Brampton?No, the City of Brampton will not issue a public notification. That process is managed by the AGCO. Please see their website for the public notification process. Are cannabis retail stores legal in Brampton?Yes, on January 21, 2019 Brampton City Council voted to allow private cannabis retail stores in Brampton. The stores will be licensed and regulated by the AGCO. Who provides the licence to private retailers to operate in Brampton? The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the independent provincial regulator, issues license and regulates private cannabis retail model in Brampton. For more information, visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website at https://www.agco.ca/cannabis/private-retail-licensing-and-regulation. Questions About Enforcement How will cannabis be enforced?City of Brampton along with Region of Peel will look into complaints about smoking on City property such municipal buildings, recreation centres; transit shelters; in proximity to children’s play areas, including within parks. Residents can report these concerns by calling 311 or emailing 311@brampton.ca. For incidents related to driving under the influence of cannabis, illegal dispensaries, selling to underage users and illegal possession of cannabis, contact Peel Regional Police: Emergency situations: 911 Non-emergency situations: 905-453-3311 Peel Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 For health-related information about cannabis, contact Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit the Government of Canada’s official resource on Cannabis in Canada.Are there any cannabis dispensaries/stores currently operating in Brampton?There are no confirmed active dispensaries in Brampton, according to Peel Regional Police. Peel Regional Police is responsible to enforce the removal of illegal dispensaries. Tools & Resources Recreational Cannabis InformationAttitudes towards Cannabis Retail Stores | Environics SurveyRelevant LinksPublic Engagement Social Media Image
