Here’s How People Reacted to the Recent Cannabis Decisions in Burlington and Oakville

Recently it was revealed the Town of Oakville will be opting out (for now) of havi

Recently it was revealed the Town of Oakville will be opting out (for now) of having retail cannabis stores. On the other hand, the City of Burlington announced that it will be opting in.

“Town Council’s vote to opt-out reflects what we have heard throughout our community,” Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, said in a press release. 

“We are supporting a wait and watch approach at this time. Municipalities just don’t have enough input into cannabis retail stores when it comes to notice, location, zoning and licensing. We have asked staff to report back to us by December 2019 to reconsider our decision once more detailed information on cannabis retail stores becomes available.”

The City of Burlington also commented on its decision to opt in.

“Opting in provides the opportunity to work with the community to create that made-in-Burlington solution for the sale of recreational cannabis, where the health, safety and finances of residents are not negatively impacted,” Burlington Mayor Mayor Meed Ward said in a press release.

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This news sparked a wide range of reactions from people. 

After inhalton.com reported on the Oakville decision, the following comments were made.

“Ashamed of Oakville,” one Facebook user commented. 

“The people that want it can go to Burlington and the people that don’t can enjoy their neighbourhoods in Oakville,” another comment reads. “It’s [a] win-win.”

Here are some other responses and reactions to Oakville’s decision.

@MarcReyerGrant @CouncillorKnoll well done 2 both of u 4 representing ward 5 & voting to opt out of retail cannabis stores. Maybe one day, but not until we see the affect on other communities that opted in. Possible repercussions not worth the revenue generated #SmartPolitics

— Portista_Oakville (@FCPOakville) January 15, 2019

Oakville Council just voted to OPT-OUT of retail cannabis stores. Many of the Councillors, including myself, concerned with the lack of control given to municipalities. Vote 14-1. #Oakville #Onpoli #Cannabis

— Pavan Parmar (@PavParmar7) January 15, 2019

After inhalton.com reported on the Burlington decision, the following comments were made.

“Smart,” a Facebook user commented. “The only other option was higher taxes and more organized crime. This is a big win for our city.”

“Great news, now people can get a chance to buy their much needed medication locally instead of risking ordering it through the mail,” another comment reads.

Here are some other responses and reactions to Burlington’s decision.

#BurlON is now the official cannabis capital of Halton! pic.twitter.com/kGH7s3GtfJ

— Burlington High Society (@Burlington420) January 15, 2019

Congratulations to Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara Falls for opting IN to having legal cannabis dispensaries! 🙂

— Patrick McMillan (@TeachHappiness) January 15, 2019

Currently, Burlington is the only municipality within the Halton region that has opted in to having retail cannabis stores.

Milton has also opted out (for now) and Halton Hills has not yet decided.

What do you think of these decisions?