When Jon Liedt opened his 6,000 square-foot cannabis lounge Higher Limits two years ago, he knew it wasnt exactly a legal establishment. The Smoke-Free Ontario law prohibits anyone from smoking in public spaces or workplaces. But the law applies to tobacco, not cannabis, and as a medical cannabis user himself, he was aware of the need for non-residential spaces to medicate.
We knew there was the risk that we might get shut down, but we werent willing to shut down on our own, he says. We were always going to fight forward and we know that medical cannabis users need a space to be able to take their medication.
But he may not have to fight that battle: Ontarios Ministry of the Attorney General is proactively exploring licensing for cannabis consumption lounges and venues in the province and considering allowing owners or property managers to designate areas for recreational cannabis consumption outdoors post-legalization.
Its welcome news for Ontario lounge owners. In Toronto, the Hotbox Cafes Abi Roach and the Cannabis Friendly Business Association formally requested that the citys Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee create a license for lounges.
But for Liedt, who says hes had more than 60,000 customers since opening, a license to to operate legally doesnt go far enough. He also wants a license to sell weed.
You can go to a bar and order a glass of wine or get a ...
