Pubdate: Sat, 22 Apr 2017
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Bill Cleverley
Page: B1

CITY COUNCIL WANTS ANSWERS FROM PROVINCE ON MARIJUANA

With a steady stream of cannabis retail operations working their way
through city rezoning and licensing processes, the City of Victoria
wants some idea from the province of what its plans are for the
burgeoning marijuana industry.

Victoria council formally resolved to ask the province when it
anticipates publishing draft regulations and legislation relating to
distribution, regulation and taxation of cannabis. It will also ask
that the province work with City of Victoria staff on the marijuana
file.

"Specifically [we're asking] when can we expect to see those drafts,"
said Coun. Ben Isitt, who proposed Mayor Lisa Helps write the province
seeking information. "I think industry would be happy to hear that;
obviously members of the public [would] and maybe this will help
invite a discussion," Isitt said.

In the absence of federal regulations governing marijuana, both
Vancouver and Victoria have for the past couple of years been
developing their own regulatory schemes for marijuana retailers.

Victoria has enacted licensing and zoning bylaws to regulate cannabis
dispensaries within the city.

Under the process now in place, a business licence will not be issued
to a cannabis retailer until a rezoning has been approved.

Meanwhile, marijuana retailers are expected to come into compliance
with business licensing requirements, which govern operations by
prohibiting cannabis consumption on the premises, restrict opening
hours and not allow anyone younger than 19 to be in stores.

Under proposed federal legislation, provinces will be permitted to set
their own licensing, distribution and retail sales rules and establish
provincial zoning rules for cannabis businesses.

That has some Victoria councillors wondering what will happen to
retailers who are licensed by the city if the province introduces
regulations that advocate a different standard.
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MAP posted-by: Matt