The City of Markham has officially banned cannabis smoking in public spaces.
During a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, the Markham City Council approved a local Cannabis bylaw that prohibits smoking marijuana outside private homes.
As stated in the bylaw, “no person shall smoke or vaporize Cannabis, or hold or otherwise use lit Cannabis in any Public Place, including but not limited to” areas such as municipal parks, public parking lots, community centres, roads and highways, schools, shopping centres, and “any other location or area owned by the city.”
From Markham Town Centre, where the city just passed the Cannabis By-law to prohibit smoking of Cannabis in public places! Mayor of Markham said: “Yes, it’s legalized but NO, you can not smoke it in Markham!” #Cannabis Legalization #Cannabis News pic. twitter. com/47u Ck8Az3J
– Shaarmina Rodrigo (@Shaarmina R) October 16, 2018
Those found violating this bylaw will face the following penalties:
a) For a first offence, fines range from $100 to $500.
b) For a second or further offence for the same violation, fines will be between $500 and $1,000.
c) For multiple offences committed at once, each violation incurs a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Back in August, Markham decided against allowing legal cannabis stores within its borders.
“Mayor Scarpitti applauds the Ford Government on allowing municipalities to have a say on whether or not retail outlets will be permitted,” said a statement from Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s office at that time.
“When approached by the previous provincial government to be one of the first locations, Mayor Scarpitti rejected that opportunity and subsequently Markham Council also passed a motion rejecting a retail outlet.”
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