Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Dalson Chen
Page: A3

CANNABIS VAPOUR LOUNGE OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN

The people behind the new vaping lounge in downtown Windsor say it's
not just about providing a place for medical marijuana users to toke
up - it's about clearing the air when it comes to pot.

"We have medical users who are being discriminated against, who have
stigmas lingering over them," said Jon Liedtke, co-owner of Higher
Limits at 251 Ouellette Ave.

"It's not necessary. Quite frankly, it's inappropriate in the year
2016.=C2=85 It's easy to joke about cannabis. But would you joke about
someone who needs to use insulin?"

The 6,000-square-foot lounge - formerly Venue Music Hall - is billed
as Windsor's first cannabis vapour lounge and the largest of its kind
in Canada.

Liedtke said that since the business quietly opened last week, it's
been averaging 110 visitors a day.

"It was just about finding the right time and place," said Liedtke -
part of an ownership group that includes Alex Newman and a third
partner who wishes to remain private.

But what exactly goes on at a vaping lounge? Liedtke takes pains to
point out what doesn't: No marijuana is dispensed, sold, bought,
traded or otherwise exchanged.

There's also no alcohol, no tobacco, no one under the age of 18, and
no drugs - besides cannabis.

Legally speaking, Higher Limits is simply a place for medical
marijuana licence holders to bring and consume their own medicine.

The grey area is that the owners and staff of Higher Limits can't ask
patrons for proof of a marijuana licence. Customers have no obligation
to share their private medical information with the lounge.

"We're in as much compliance as we can be," said Liedtke, himself a
medical marijuana licence holder.

"This is about creating a cannabis community centre =C2=85 in anticipatio
n
of what Justin Trudeau has signalled."

"We tell people: it's use-at-your-own-risk. Consuming cannabis in here
is no different than consuming it on the street, in a park, or in your
own home. If the police want to come in, the doors are open."

Along with providing comfortable couches, the lounge sells a wide
range of pot paraphernalia: bongs, vaporizers, pipes, grinders, oils
and more.

Reams of cannabis literature are scattered about the establishment -
as well as multiple copies of the Dr. Seuss storybook Green Eggs and
Ham.

Liedtke said none of the retail offerings at Higher Limits are beyond
what might be found at your typical head shop.

However, Windsor police remind the public that possession of marijuana
for recreational use is still illegal.

"We respect the rights of individuals who are legally permitted to
consume marijuana for medical purposes," said police spokesman Const.
Andrew Drouillard. "At this point, we're handling (Higher Limits) on a
complaint basis."

Drouillard agreed that the Windsor police drugs and guns unit is
mainly concerned with trafficking. "If we receive information or
complaints from the community, they will be investigated accordingly.
If charges are warranted, they will be laid."

The Windsor- Essex County Health Unit said it has conducted "complete
inspections" of the premises, and found them to be "operating in
compliance with all public health related regulations."

That includes the Smoke Free Ontario Act, the Electronic Cigarettes
Act, and food regulations related to the various munchies on sale -
chips, pop and candy bars.

A city bylaw enforcement official stopped by the lounge on Wednesday
to tell the owners they need a food store licence to sell the snacks.

But Craig Robertson, supervisor of the city's licensing department,
admitted that Windsor currently has "no licensing category or
municipal regulations that would govern vaping lounges."

Robertson said he'll be interested to see what comes of Ward 3 Coun.
Rino Bortolin's questions to administration about regulating such
businesses.

Meanwhile, the people of Higher Limits are doing their best to keep
their business above board. Liedtke said they've retained Alan Adams -
a retired Windsor police officer with three decades of experience - as
a security consultant, and two of their six staff members have
security licences. The rules are posted throughout the premises. Among
them: "Absolutely no mooching, buying or selling!"

"This is a bring-your-own-cannabis establishment," Liedtke emphasized.
"If we see (trafficking) occurring, the first time will mean removal
from site. The second time, I'm going to refer that person to Windsor
police."

Liedtke said he went to city hall to obtain the food store licence
soon after the bylaw official's visit.

But Liedtke also said Higher Limits is ready for whatever legal
situations may come. "If they want to put a special focus on us =C2=85 we

are OK with that," he said. "It's no problem. We're quite content to
bring ourselves into compliance."

Higher Limits apothecary and lounge (251 Ouellette Ave.) is open
Monday to Thursday from noon to 11 p.m., Friday to Sunday from noon to
midnight. Age 18 and older only. Visit higherlimits.buzz for more
information. Call 519-819-5725.

The lounge celebrates its opening on Friday with a live performance by
comedians Kenny Hotz and Spencer Rice of Kenny vs Spenny fame. Doors
open 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 in advance or $49 at the door. VIP
tickets including meet n' greet are $99. Order online via ourevent.ca.
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MAP posted-by: Matt