Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit officials say starting today, cannabis is legalized for use and purchase in Ontario by adults age 19 and older.
Cannabis use is impacted by federal and provincial laws as well as well as municipal by-law.
“This information from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will help residents understand some of the health facts, rules, and regulations related to cannabis use,” Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit officials said in a media release.
Where you can and can’t smoke or vape in Chatham-Kent:
The “Smoke Free Chatham-Kent” Bylaw 137-2014 prohibits: the use or carrying of any lighted/heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, Waterpipe, or any other equipment used to inhale, exhale, burn, or heat any Smoking Product. Smoking Products are any tobacco product, including any plant or oil and herbal shisha, which are used by burning/heating to produce smoke/vapours that are inhaled.
In Chatham-Kent, smoking/vaping (including cannabis) is NOT permitted in the following areas:
– Restaurant patios
– Enclosed public places and workplaces
– Schools
– Cars
– Hospital properties
– Municipally owned and operated: beaches, parks, playgrounds, sports fields/complexes, housing services properties and other locations open to the public
– Recreational facilities
– Multi-unit dwellings with smoke-free policies.
Where smoking/vaping (including cannabis) is permitted in Chatham-Kent:
– Privately owned residences
– Some outdoor public places (sidewalks)
– Research and testing sites
– Designated hotel rooms
– Outdoor private property.
Areas still under review:
– Designated smoking areas at Municipal events
– Long term care homes
– Rental properties without smoke-free policies (up to individual landlord/owner).
Cannabis use presents a higher risk to some people
Some groups of people have a higher or unique risks for cannabis-related health problems. People in these groups should consult with a physician prior to using cannabis:
– People with personal or family history of mental health issues
– Pregnant and breastfeeding women
– Youth under the age of 25.
Laws about using cannabis and operating motorized vehicles
Cannabis, like many other drugs, slows the reaction time of drivers and increases the chances of being in a collision. If a police officer finds that a driver is impaired by any drug, including cannabis, the driver may face criminal offences including:
– An immediate licence suspension
– Financial penalties
– Possible vehicle impoundment
– Possible criminal record
– Possible jail time.
Chatham-Kent Public Health can assist you in:
– Developing supportive workplace policies
– Business and property owners can “opt-in” to be regulated by “Smoke Free Chatham-Kent” Bylaw 137-2014
– Supporting parents, teachers and youth service providers in preventing and delaying substance use in Chatham-Kent youth
– Supporting residents who use substances and are looking for help.
For more information about the legal use of cannabis in where you live, work and play please contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270 or visit our cannabis site at www.CKPublicHealth.com/cannabis-CK.
