Details about Ontario’s plan to sell and distribute pot once it’s legalized

TORONTO – The federal government has told provinces to devise their own systems for the sale, distribution and usage of marijuana when it becomes legal next summer. On Friday, Ontario outlined its plan. Here are the details:

— The approach is modelled on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which regulates the sale of alcohol throughout the province

— The proposed minimum age to use, purchase and possess recreational cannabis in Ontario will be 19, the same as the current minimum age for alcohol

— The use of recreational marijuana will be prohibited in public places and workplaces

— The LCBO will oversee the legal retail of cannabis in Ontario through new stand-alone cannabis stores and an online order service.

— LCBO stores selling cannabis won’t be selling alcohol

— Approximately 150 stand-alone stores will be opened by 2020, including 40 in July 2018, servicing all regions of the province.

— Online distribution will be available across Ontario from July 2018 onward through a site run by the LCBO

— Cannabis dispensaries currently operating are illegal and will be shut down with the help of police and municipalities

— Police will confiscate small amounts of cannabis from people under the age of 19, but the focus will be on prevention and harm reduction, nor criminal prosecution.

— Pricing and taxation decisions will come at a later date

— Legislation regulating the control of marijuana will be introduced in the fall