Toronto is getting Ontario's first legal cannabis patio this summer

Mar 11 2019, 9:24 pm

The Ontario Craft Beer Festival has announced its intention to include cannabis in its annual celebration of Craft Beer this year.

Through a collaboration with Kensington Market mainstay HotBox Cafe, this 10,000-attendee event will make history as the first time a legal cannabis consumption patio is accessible at a provincial event.

“We want to offer people a place to come down from the beer. You don’t have to consume cannabis to experience our creative, chill and vibrant POTio,” said Abi Roach, owner and operator of HotBox Cafe, in a press release.

“We want to educate people on what cannabis is and how to consume it safely, especially around alcohol.”

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“As long-time advocates in the cannabis space, we understand the importance of education, experience, and most importantly, safe consumption,” said Imraan Kahn, founder of Detonate Group, owner and operator of Detonate Cannabis Agency in a release.

Roach notes that what makes this cannabis patio experience special in comparison to other partners is that it’s on the provincial level.

Billed as a comfortable break from the beer and noise during the festival, the current smokers lounge will get a weekend facelift to accommodate the crowd. This will ensure proper safety and health codes are followed while attendees of legal age enjoy an alcohol and tobacco-free experience.

In addition to Abi’s hand-picked customer service team, there will be experienced sales representatives working the POTio. These reps will ensure attendees are educated on the various ways to safely consume cannabis.

“Being at the forefront of something new is a big social undertaking and we are excited but also fully cognizant of our responsibility to be compliant with all federal and provincial laws for the safety of all attendees,” Roach said, in the release.

Toronto Craft Beer Festival

Where: Ontario Place
When: June 21, 22, and 23, 2019
Tickets: Available online

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