Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jan 2014
Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Comox Valley Record
Contact:  http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/784
Author: Erin Haluschak

COMOX REZONING FOR POT

Two Plots Of Comox Land Could Produce Medical Marijuana

Council council gave first and second reading to a zoning amendment
bylaw Wednesday to permit medical marijuana production facilities in
two particular zones within the town.

In a presentation to council, planner Marvin Kamenz explained because
Health Canada is phasing out regulations that permit marijuana to be
grown in homes (as of March 31), new federal licensing regulation
shift from small-scale production to large-scale commercial industrial
settings.

As of April 1, the only legal means of access to marijuana for medical
purposes will be through the newly licensed producers, he explained,
and added individuals will no longer have the authority to produce the
drug.

Kamenz explained the licensed activity (cultivation, processing,
testing, packaging, etc.) must be conducted indoors. The new model of
production and distribution fits the industrial land-use category, as
opposed to commercial.

The large-scale production is consistent with industrial and
agricultural land uses.

In his report, Kamenz noted only two industrial or agricultural zones
apply to lands that are also designated in the Official Community Plan
for long-term industrial or agricultural use: AG1.1 Agricultural and
I2.1 Aeronautical Industrial.

The bylaw would allow production only on those zoned lands. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D