Ontario exploring the idea of allowing cannabis at outdoor concerts and festivals

The province is launching public consultations that will look at expanding where Ontario’s cannabis users can legally indulge.

In a Monday release, the Ontario government said it is initiating consultations into new approaches to the legal cannabis market, including consumption venues and special occasion permits for events like outdoor festivals and concerts.

The province says the changes come as it attempts to provide consumers with more choice while giving businesses an “enhanced ability” to compete against the unlicensed market.

“We are asking Ontarians to share their feedback as we explore certain expanded cannabis-related business opportunities,” said Attorney General Doug Downey in a release. “What we hear from the public and expert groups will help to inform possible next steps.”

An online consultation is already available and asks stakeholders to comment on new cannabis opportunities. According to the site set up, they are specifically seeking feedback on the idea of consumption venues and special occasion permits.

However, tokers shouldn’t expect any changes coming down the pike anytime soon.

“The government is collecting feedback at this time to inform potential decisions about opportunities in an open cannabis market in the future,” reads a description on the consultation site. “No changes to the cannabis framework are expected at this time nor is there a current timeframe for any additional changes that may be informed by this feedback.”

The province also says it will be meeting with members of the industry, public health and safety organizations, education stakeholders, and Indigenous representatives, “to ensure their expertise and advice help to inform next steps.”