B.C.’s Public Safety minister has tabled draft legislation governing the use and sale of legal cannabis.
Mike Farnworth says existing, and currently illegal, marijuana dispensaries can become legitimate through a licensing process.
“Once that is in place people will be able to apply. I fully expect some of the existing operations to try and apply, or try to apply, to become legal. If they want to be in business they are going to have to apply. They are going to have to get a license and approval from the city. They are going to have to get a license or approval from the province of British Columbia. If they don’t have that then they would not be a legal operation.”
Farnworth says marijuana will be sold through a mix of private and government run stand alone cannabis only stores.
The first should arrive late this summer.
“Although B.C. will not cap the number of retail lisences issued municipalities will have the authority to make local decisions based on the needs of their communities. Landlords and strata councils will be able to restrict and prohibit non-medical cannabis smoking and cultivation at tenanted strata properties.”
Farnworth says steps will be taken to protect young people.
“Adults will be allowed to posess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public spaces. Adults will be allowed to use non-medical cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking and vaping are currently permitted. However to protect our children and youth and minimize exposure smoking and vaping of cannabis will be banned in areas that are frequented by children including community beaches, parks, and playgrounds.”
People will be allowed to grow cannabis at home but only four plants and they must not be viewable from a public space.
As well drug impaired driving prohibitions will be created and a zero tolerance for alcohol for young people in a graduated driver licensing program will be expanded to include pot.