Cannabis gardens may be banned by GTA condo boards
Toronto condo prices may be sky high, but condo boards are hoping their residents won’t be.
As legalization approaches, there is an increasing concern about a law that will allow the growing of up to four cannabis plants per residence. Things like mold, smell, and safety were among some the issues stated by condo boards across the GTA.
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Many condos have bylaws that prohibit tobacco smoking indoors and on the surrounding premises, and cannabis-users would be bound to the same rules depending on the building’s lease agreement. However, landlords cannot change a lease until a tenant has moved out, meaning they cannot suddenly implement no-smoking rules if they do not currently exist.
Man smoking joint (InnerVisionPRO/Shutterstock)
The Ontario Landlord Association has expressed concerns about rental units where cannabis has been grown and consumed, mostly due to smell. Currently, landlords can overrule a condo board’s decision to allow cannabis gardens, although this may change after legalization.
Quebec and Manitoba are hoping to ban residential cannabis plants under provincial laws but that would be in conflict with federal law. Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould stated they don’t intend to take the provinces to court but if citizens challenge the provincial legislation then “federal law would prevail.”
Cultivating cannabis (Eric Limon/Shutterstock)
Hoping to come to a resolution, some condo boards and landlords have proposed edibles and vaping as an alternative to smoking, as well as encouraging residents to cultivate plants off-site.