Business as usual after marijuana legalization, say Windsor merchants

By Zander Kelly

Canadians have been sparking up legal weed for a dozen days, but not much has changed for most local businesses.

“Seriously, I didn’t notice any difference except maybe more people, when they’re coming in, you see they are using (cannabis) by the smell,” said Ljubaca Cajan, the owner of Tunnel Discount Convenience on Ouellette Avenue.

An employee of Endless Heights, a cannabis and tobacco paraphernalia store near the University of Windsor, said business has been going as expected.

“During the week of legalization we did get a fair amount of newbies, but most of the people who come through the shop are people who have been smoking for years,” said Emily, who asked that her last name not be used.

About 269,700 people between the ages of 18 and 24 used marijuana products at least once a month in 2017, according to Statistics Canada.

While it is now legal to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis leaf, cannabis users still have to keep in mind there are laws regarding driving under the influence and smoking near sports facilities and playgrounds.