A controversial café has opened on Penetanguishene’s Main Street.
The Cannabis Corner Café, located at 29 Main St., is a retail store and restaurant that is marijuana friendly.
“We are a safe haven for medical marijuana users,” said owner Irene York.
The police won’t be busting down the doors any time soon, as the café is completely legal.
“They have received approvals and met the requirements from the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, from the Tobacco Enforcement Office, as well as our town’s building department. The OPP are also well aware of the new business in town,” said Penetanguishene CAO Jeff Lees.
The business is not a marijuana dispensary. It does not sell cannabis or any other drug.
“I’m not willing to bounce around with the law. I’m not willing to step over that line. I’m not that bold of an activist,” said York, noting she is not as daring as the cafés in Toronto that have been caught dispensing marijuana.
The storefront has drawn quite a bit of attention over the past month. Cars slow down when they pass, people walking by snap pictures and others have called the town to ask about the café’s presence.
“Obviously, we have a role to play to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable legislation and in this case we have certainly done that,” said Lees.
The café does not sell or provide cannabis. It is a “bring your own bud” café, according to York.
“We are a (cannabis) education and resource centre. If you need information I am more than willing to help you out,” said York.
Contrary to what some may think, the Cannabis Corner Café won’t be a place where anyone can go to smoke a joint.
“Can people come in and smoke their weed? Absolutely not. I don’t support combustion. It is the worst way to utilize (cannabis),” said York.
In order to best utilize the medicinal aspects of marijuana, York says vaping is the way to go.
After years of treating her medical issues with pharmaceuticals, York abandoned the approach and used cannabis to help her heal. She swears by it and credits it for helping her go from being stuck in a hospital bed unable to walk, to being able to regularly bike around town.
She has opened the café to help spread information about the medicinal uses of cannabis and to provide other users of the drug a safe, discriminatory-free social atmosphere.
“People have the right to choose between bud and booze in a social environment and we intend to provide that,” said York.
Right now, the café is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but the hours could expand if interest grows.
York is hoping to offer marijuana and meditation sessions, marijuana and yoga classes and cannabis creation nights. Exactly what the café offers will be up to its customers.
credit:420intel.com