Laws around smoking cannabis and vaping are outlined in the recently updated Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) now regulates the sale, supply, display, promotion, and use of tobacco and vapour products (e.g., e-cigarettes), as well as the smoking of cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes.
“Any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited, smoking cannabis and the vaping of any substance, are also prohibited,” says Angela Willert, Senior Public Health Promoter with the Huron County Health Unit.
Prohibitions on smoking tobacco or cannabis, or vaping any substance, include:
- enclosed public spaces
- enclosed workplaces (including workplace vehicles)
- hospital grounds
- childcare centres
- public areas within 20 metres of playgrounds and sport fields.
In addition, the following areas are now also included in the SFOA, 2017:
- Public areas within 9 metres of the perimeter of bar and restaurant patios
- On recreation facility property and public areas within a 20 metre perimeter of their grounds
- Public areas within 20 metres of the perimeter of school grounds
To help the community adjust to the new smoking and vaping regulations, the Health Unit is providing signage, educational materials, and policy development support to community stakeholders, including municipal partners, schools, and workplaces.
Tobacco Enforcement Officers at the Health Unit are designated to enforce the SFOA, 2017, and will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance.
The Health Unit reminds residents that driving impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, is illegal. Cannabis affects your motor skills, alertness, decision making skills, and reaction time, making it dangerous to drive. Always plan a safe ride, and never drive high.