Stores or online retailers selling cannabis and related products, but not licenced to do so, could face new fines.

It is one of the measures proposed by the Ford government in an effort to halt illegal cannabis sales.

The province says 30% of all sales are being done by illegal operations.

Pending legislative changes are also intended to give the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario strong powers to conduct inspections and seize products and equipment.

“Illegal cannabis retailers that operate outside the rules undermine the businesses that play by them and contribute to Ontario’s strong economy,” states Attorney General Doug Downey.

“To help build the strongest economy in the G7 and protect Ontario from threats to our communities, we are proposing measures to strengthen enforcement, protect consumers and support a fair and competitive marketplace.”

Downey intends to introduce the legislation when MPPs return to Queen’s Park next week.

Ontario made recreational cannabis sales legal in 2018, initially launching online sales through a government-run store.

Private storefronts were permitted a year later under strict rules.