86% fewer illegal pot shops in T.O. since legalization

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It’s been three months since Ontario opened its first legal pot shop and illegal stores continue to pop up like weeds.

Overall, the number of illegal pot stores in Toronto has declined 89% since cannabis was legalized according to Brent Ross, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

However, illegal dispensaries continue to proliferate and Toronto continues to struggle in its fight to permanently shut them down.

Mike Sraga, Director of Investigation Services with Municipal Licensing and Standards at the city, said in a statement that authorities are currently investigating nine illegal stores in Toronto.

“This compares to 91 illegal cannabis storefronts when the Cannabis Control Act first came into effect on October 17, 2018,” Sraga said.

There are big profits in pot, which is one of the reasons illegal operators are willing to reopen following raids.

Toronto bylaw inspectors conduct the raids and seize products, however some pot dealers are able to restock and reopen their stores days later.

“The demand for cannabis continues to be high and markets are often operated and supplied by the criminal element who feel the risks are worth the financial benefits,” Sraga said.

And the risks are high: individuals face fines of up to $250,000 and two years imprisonment. Corporations could incur fines ranging from $250,000 to $1 million if they operate illegal stores.

Sraga said the city will “utilize all enforcement tools available to ensure compliance,” but could not disclose specific information on these tools as doing so may compromise future investigations.

Photos surfaced earlier this month showed entrances to some illegal storefronts barricaded by the city with large cement blocks to physically prevent them from reopening.

According to Sraga, bylaw enforcement officers, who are primarily tasked with shutting down illegal shops, work closely with Toronto police to shutter illegal storefronts by “conducting ongoing investigations, issuing closure orders, barring entry into premises, conducting seizures and laying charges.”

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