Cannabis is only two weeks away from being legal in Canada, but there are many rules and regulations that are still going to have to be followed by Canadian residents and those who call the City of Penticton home.
The City of Penticton issued a news release Thursday reminding residents that recreational cannabis will be legal on Oct. 17 and, while work on rules for Penticton progresses, the provincial government has legislation in place to regulate public consumption.
Photo Credit: File PhotoThe City of Penticton issued a news release Thursday reminding residents of existing rules and regulations now in place as cannabis becomes a legal product in Canada in two weeks, effective Oct. 17.
Under Bill 30 – 2018 Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, a person must not smoke or vape cannabis:
– In or on school property or within a prescribed distance from school property
– In or on health board property except in any area designated for use of tobacco or e-cigarettes
– In a public place that is outdoors such as a sports field, playground or sport park
– In a park or outdoor area established for the purposes of community recreation
– In a public place including workplace or common area
– Near a doorway, window or air intake of a public place
– While operating a vehicle or boat or in a vehicle or boat operated by another person
– In or at a bus stop or similar place marked for passenger loading or unloading
Photo Credit: File Photo
“We encourage everyone to be informed and respectful as we make the transition to legal recreational cannabis,” said City of Penticton planning manager Blake Laven.
Retail sales also continue to be prohibited in the city while the process for issuing licenses is finalized and the first licenses are implemented.
The work on regulations for Penticton began in April 2018 and is expected to be complete in early 2019.
This work will introduce changes to the zoning bylaw to clarify the rules for retail sales in the city as well as changes to the smoking bylaw to clarify rules for public smoking and vaping of cannabis, said Laven.
Photo Credit: File Photo
“The City wishes to thank everyone who has participated in the development of the proposed framework for introducing legalized cannabis to date,” he said. ”It’s been a great process. We are now confirming the approach with affected stakeholder groups as well as seeking a legal review before we introduce the recommended policies and bylaws with Council.”
Residents who have questions about the City’s pending approach to introduce legalized cannabis are invited to contact ask@penticton.ca or call 250-490-2400.
