Cannabis timeline: A lot has happened in York Region since legalization

YorkRegion.com
January 29, 2019
Ben Puccini

Cannabis Timeline

April 13, 2017 --Introduction of the federal Cannabis Act, which proposed amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Acts, the Criminal Code and other acts.

Summer 2017 --Ontario conducts provincial consultations seeking public feedback on issues surrounding cannabis use. These issues included minimum age, where cannabis can be used, regulation and more.

Dec. 13, 2017 --Provincial government passes the Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario, and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017. This Act would safely regulate the sale and distribution of recreational cannabis when legalized.

Oct. 17, 2018 --Ontario passes the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018, introducing stricter controls to safeguard young people and providing safer ways to buy recreational cannabis legally.

Oct. 17, 2018 --Cannabis is legalized across Canada.

Sept. 10, 2018 --King Township becomes first municipality in York Region to opt out of hosting cannabis retail stores within its borders.

Dec. 12, 2018 --Markham city council votes 12-1 to opt out of cannabis retail stores.

Dec. 17, 2018 --Richmond Hill votes unanimously to opt out of hosting cannabis retail stores.

Jan. 8, 2019 --East Gwillimbury votes to opt out of cannabis retail stores, hinting that they may opt in as part of second wave.

Jan. 15, 2019 --Whitchurch-Stouffville becomes the first York Region municipality to opt in to allowing cannabis retail stores within its borders.

Jan. 15, 2019 --Newmarket opts out of cannabis retail stores by a vote of 7-2.

Jan. 16, 2019 --Georgina sparks a social media frenzy by voting to opt out of hosting cannabis retail stores despite results of public survey.

Jan. 21, 2019 --Aurora votes 5-1 in favour of opting in to allowing cannabis retail stores.

Jan. 21, 2019 --Vaughan opts out of allowing cannabis retail stores with a 8-1 vote.