When the Covid-19 pandemic first began, several businesses closed and many employees lost their jobs. To help prevent this from happening, private cannabis businesses in Ontario, Canada got permission to offer delivery and curbside pick-up options. Now, lawmakers submitted a proposal on October 7. Called the Supporting People and Businesses Act, the proposal looks to make these temporary covid measures permanent.  

“Along with many other businesses, legal cannabis retailers have seen their bottom lines impacted by the pandemic,” explained Raj Grover. He is the current CEO and President of the cannabis company High Tide.

“As lockdowns were put in place, the Government of Ontario listened to legal cannabis businesses and allowed us to offer curbside pickup and delivery services to our customers on a temporary basis. This decision helped many smaller cannabis retailers stay afloat and limit layoffs, while providing the sector with an important tool to combat illicit market operators, many of whom began ramping up their unregulated delivery services as the pandemic hit,” Grover added. 

According to the Ontario government website, the proposal submitted would let retailers “continue supporting physical distancing and general public health directives.” Additionally, the proposal would make it easier for licensed restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses to create outdoor patio spaces for cannabis consumption. 

Response

Presently, High Tide has 30 cannabis stores operating in Ontario, all of which stayed open and succeeded in the pandemic. In response to their success, Grover commented on the impact this proposal would have on the cannabis industry in Canada. In this case he said that the decision from the government to make delivery permanent pleased him. He continued by saying that the success of curbside pick-up and delivery options for cannabis kept the market thriving.

Next Steps

Several other departments and agencies would become affected under the Supporting People and Businesses Act. This shows the continued support of the Ontario government for its people. When Canadian lawmakers take up the proposal for debate, we will update you with the latest. 

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