Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Not quite the wild west of pot smoking; as cannabis legalization arrives, there are still some rules to follow

For many across Canada, today is along the lines of Christmas Day a most anticipated day of the year where gifts are exchanged, in this case, the gift of Legislation from the Federal government that has made the use of cannabis legal across the nation.

But before those with the inclination spark one up, there are a few caveats to consider along the way to the brave new world ahead, and when it comes to the local notes on the new regimen on pot smoking, Mayor Lee Brain took to his Facebook page today with a few reminders for residents of Prince Rupert.

The main focus to remind us all that just wandering around the city in a haze of smoke isn't something that is allowed, as well as to review some of the restrictions in place around public buildings around the City.

The Mayor also took a moment to outline the plans the city has towards allowing for retail sale opportunities in the city, a process which continues with a public form in November.



The province as well telegraphed a few notes of guidance last week for consideration as October 17th appeared on the horizon.

With today, now Day One of the new ear, it makes for a timely opportunity to review those guidelines,  particularly the areas where fines are in place for those that don't follow the rules.





As the Mayor noted as part of his Facebook proclamation, the zoning issues related to commercial operations have yet to be finalized, with the public forum on November 13th at Coast Mountain College the first opportunity in the post-legalization era for Prince Rupert residents to offer commentary on how they view the City of Prince Rupert's blue print ahead.

City Council has been reviewing the prospect of legalization of cannabis for a few years now, the first discussion of the theme coming in 2017, the most recent conversation taking place as part of the October 9th City Council session.

Some of our notes on that journey can be found below:


2018

October 11 -- No short cuts when it comes to City Council's Cannabis road map
October 9 -- Council to outline plans towards zoning for Cannabis retail opportunities in Prince Rupert
September 28 -- City Council's work on marijuana issues for Prince Rupert to resume in October

2017

December 13 -- City Council Timeline: Monday December 11, 2017
December 11 -- Council to host Public Hearing on Marijuana zoning prohibition tonight
November 17 -- Council to take pulse of Community on Pot zoning at Public hearing December 11th
November 14 -- Council to hear request to extend Marijuana operations prohibition Bylaw until July 2018
March 23 -- Council takes note of complaints related to Medicinal Grow Op smells
February 8 -- Public Hearing offers community feedback as Prince Rupert Council moves forward on marijuana plans
February 2 -- City's one year commercial marijuana prohibition plan is the focus for Public Hearing next week
January 11 -- Prince Rupert plans for Pot Shop Prohibition for one year
January 6 -- Prince Rupert Council to tackle issue of Commercial Marijuana dispensaries at Monday session

As well, the city has outlined its path ahead through a range of multi media options, the details posted to the city's website, and include a video that helps to chart the plan for residents.




For some final words on the arrival of the legalization of cannabis products we turn to Northern Health which offered up some helpful notes on how the Health Authority views the new path ahead.

For more notes on City Council Discussion themes see our archive page here.

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