Ford government to overhaul how cannabis stores look in Ontario [Video]

The Ford government is set to loosen strict rules that force cannabis stores to cover their windows, offering a long-called-for change that the industry hopes will lead to better safety for its staff.

Under current cannabis retail rules, which have been in place since legalization in Ontario, stores must cover or obscure their windows so people can’t see the products on sale inside while walking past on the street.

Cannabis stores have complained for years that those rules endanger their staff and have led to an increase in robberies.

While window coverings on the outside stop people from seeing in, they also block store employees from seeing out, including if there is a threat to their safety.

Store owners have said they also encourage robberies because someone outside may not realize a crime is taking place because of the window coverings and be able to call the police to intervene.

As part of …