Canadian Cannabis Cruise Canceled by Health Officials

The cannabis cruise from Windsor, Ontario, Canada along the Detroit River has been canceled after officials said it violated the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, according to a CTV Windsor report. The cruise was being planned by Windsor River Cruises and Border City Entertainment.

The maiden voyage was planned for Sept. 20 and tickets had sold out in two days. A second cruise was planned for Sept. 26; both are canceled indefinitely and those who bought tickets will be refunded.

Patrons would have brought their own cannabis on board and smoking was to occur on the lower deck. The 2017 smoking regulations, however, prohibit smoking or vaping in enclosed workspaces, public places, and at bar and restaurant patios. Under the cannabis law, cannabis consumption is not allowed on vehicles that are in motion.

Jessilin Deschamp, the office manager for Windsor River Cruises told Blackburn News that health officials made the announcement before the company could address the issue with their customers. She said that they’ve allowed smoking on open decks during their cruises for a decade.

“However, we are going to be looking into the laws in the legislature that they are using to shut down our event because it’s not as black and white as they’re making out to be.” – Deschamp, to the Windsor Star

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed said the Smoke-Free Act is clear.

“The province is aware that this is what we are enforcing and obviously with many of these things it is a local decision and interpretation of the law which we are pretty clear,” Ahmed said to the Star.

In all, the company had sold 160 tickets for the Sept. 20 cruise.