OREA Statement on Federal Government’s Refusal to Allow Provinces the Ability to Ban Home Growth of Cannabis

TORONTO, ON, June 20, 2018 – Ontario Realtors are disappointed the federal government rejected the Senate recommendation that would have allowed provinces to ban home growth of cannabis. Provinces should have the ability to protect home owners and communities from the problems associated with former grow ops. Quebec and Manitoba have committed to standing firm on this issue and the ambiguity in the legislation has opened the door to court challenges. We look forward to working with Premier-Designate Ford to address Realtor concerns and ensure we protect Ontario homes and families.

Former cannabis grow operations, even on a small scale, can pose significant health and safety issues for unsuspecting home buyers – in particular young children and the elderly. These risks are often masked by owners of existing grow operations when the property is sold making it very difficult for home buyers and Realtors to detect. Every day Realtors work with Ontarians who have spent years saving up for a home where they can raise their families. They want to know exactly what they’re buying with their hard-earned money. And, they deserve to know.

With the legalization of cannabis going ahead, governments must take steps to protect home owners and prospective home buyers against the health and safety risks associated with former marijuana grow operations. That’s why Ontario Realtors have put forward a five-point action plan for cannabis legalization, which, if implemented, will create a regulatory shield for home owners and unsuspecting buyers against the ill effects of former grow ops and also homes where marijuana was grown legally.

- Tim Hudak, CEO for the Ontario Real Estate Association

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