cannabis toronto

Doug Ford doesn't want beer or cannabis in Toronto parks

Ontario Premier Doug Ford seems to have some different plans for cannabis legalization than his staff. 

Earlier this week, the province said that smoking cannabis would be allowed wherever tobacco can be smoked currently. That indicates a relaxing of the former laws, where it could only be consumed in private households and other non-public places. 

However, Ford said today that he would push for his staff to no longer allow consumption in parks, contradicting the plans set in motion. 

"We won't be allowing [cannabis use] close to parks," the premier said to reporters

However, since Ford added that his priority was to keep children safe, his spokespeople are now saying he meant playgrounds, not parks. 

Ford also commented on Toronto mayor John Tory's remarks that he would like drinking alcohol in parks to be legalized. 

"I don't like people walking around drunk or smoking weed or any of that in a public area of a park," he said.

Whichever the province decides, cannabis legalization will come into effect on October 17. Make sure you double-check where you're allowed to indulge, though, as it seems the people deciding can't even make up their minds. 

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years