Updated Smoking Laws in Ontario and Local Reporting Options
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Sarnia, ON - Changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 now restrict the use of cannabis and vapour products, in addition to tobacco, in many public locations.
Paul Buttery, Health Promoter with Lambton Public Health, says "Smoking cannabis and vaping of any substance is prohibited wherever smoking tobacco is prohibited."
In Ontario, it is illegal to consume tobacco, cannabis and use vapour products in the following locations:
Any enclosed public space
Any enclosed workplace, including workplace vehicles
Common areas of multi-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings, condos, etc.
Child care centres and home child care locations
Spectator areas of sport and entertainment venues
Smoking tobacco and vaping in motor vehicles with children under 16 years of age
Outdoor grounds of hospitals, provincial buildings
Within 9m of entrances to long-term care homes
Sport fields and playgrounds + 20m from perimeter
School properties + 20m from perimeter
Bar and restaurant patios + 9m from perimeter
Outdoor grounds of recreation centres + 20m from perimeter
Lambton Public Health works with the community to ensure compliance with the law, provide required signage and to help create policies. To report a violation anonymously:
Text: 226-909-3003
Phone: 519-383-3810
Email: tobaccofree@county-lambton.on.ca.
Vendor changes include:
Complete display ban for all tobacco and vape products
Ban on the promotion of tobacco / tobacco product accessories
Vapour product promotion is limited, except for specialty vape stores registered with Lambton Public Health
The Ontario Cannabis Store website is currently the only legal option to buy cannabis. For more on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and cannabis resources, visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca.