Since
our previous article on this topic, the Ontario Government has
removed cannabis retail stores from the list of essential
workplaces. The
cannabis community has been vocal in its disagreement with the
decision. As of yesterday, April 7, 2020, the Ontario Government
issued an emergency order (the "Order") to reopen cannabis stores on a
limited basis in order to curtail the illicit market during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The Order has been issued for a period of 14
days, however it is subject to extension.
Pursuant to the Order, customers will
not be allowed to enter cannabis stores, however they can purchase
products online and do a curbside pick-up at the store. Payment for
the purchased products must be done online or over the phone in
advance of pick-up. The individual picking up the cannabis must be
the same individual that made the purchase. Store personnel may
only distribute cannabis to customers in an area that is in close
proximity to the store and clearly
