Supporting Evidence:

It has been well established that closer substance retail outlet proximity to sensitive use spaces such as youth-serving facilities increases normalization and use among vulnerable populations such as youth or those living with a substance use disorder (Liem, 2018; Ontario Public Health Association, 2015; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016; Canadian Paediatric Society, 2016). For example, research shows that when tobacco retailers are located close to homes and schools, youth are more likely to experiment with smoking, people consume more cigarettes per day, and individuals have a tougher time quitting (Cao et al., 2011).

Regarding the potential harm of clustering of cannabis retailers, studies have shown that when tobacco availability increases, the smoking rates of youth and adults also increases. In addition, children are more likely to smoke when they attend school in an area with a high density of tobacco retailers (Henriksen et al., 2008; Leatherdale & Strath, 2007; Chan & Leatherdale, 2011).

By supporting a more effective minimum distance requirement from youth-serving facilities such as schools, child care centres, libraries, and community centres, municipalities can prevent the role-modeling of cannabis use and reduce youth access (Canadian Paediatric Society, 2016; Government of Canada, 2016; Association of Municipalities of Ontario, 2018). Looking at the evidence with tobacco, reducing the number of retailers and preventing clustering may prevent normalizing the use of products, help people reduce their use, and help people quit (Cao et al., 2011).

Recommendations:

Currently, the Province of Ontario has set minimal requirements for public health and safety on the location of cannabis retail stores: Ontario Regulation (O. Reg) 468/18 under the Cannabis Licence Act does not allow for a cannabis retail store to be located within 150 metres from a school or private school as defined in the Education Act. In order to minimize the potential for vulnerable populations to access cannabis (such as young people or those already struggling with substance addiction) and reduce public exposure to environmental cannabis smoke, the WECHU encourages municipalities to implement policy statements which expand upon the limited restrictions implemented by the province. This can be done by increasing the setbacks from schools, and also by developing setback criteria from other sensitive land uses such as schools, libraries, parks, recreational centres, youth-serving facilities, mental health and substance addiction treatment centres, and more.

If you would like to discuss these recommendations further or require additional information, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your consideration,

Theresa Marentette, RN, MSc
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Nursing Officer
Windsor Essex County Health Unit
1005 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, N9A 4J8
Ph. 519-258-2146 ext. 1475
Fx. 519-258-6003
tmarentette@wechu.org