The Town of Oliver is reviewing information before it determines how it will address the medical marijuana issue. Here, a local business in town sells cannabis-infused coffee.
The Town of Oliver is doing its homework on medical marijuana by looking into the implications of pot shops and how they will be governed.
Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich recently presented a report to council about the legalization and regulation surrounding access to marijuana for medical purposes.
She informed council that the federal government created a task force to design a new system of regulating marijuana for distribution and use.
The Town has not received any marijuana dispensary applications, however, it recently heard from one individual who was promoting access to medical marijuana in Oliver.
The government’s task force is seeking input on the distribution of marijuana, and the Town has decided that councillors can comment individually if they desire.
Last week Health Canada announced new regulations that reiterate medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal.
People authorized by their health care practitioner to use cannabis for medical purposes will be able to produce a limited amount for themselves, or designate someone to produce it for them. They will also still be able to purchase quality-controlled cannabis from producers licenced by Health Canada.
But storefronts, known as dispensaries, won’t be allowed, according to the rules. However, the regulatory changes do not represent a long-term plan for the regulation of access to cannabis, Health Canada says.
In her report, Vaykovich said if council wishes to amend its bylaws to accommodate medical marijuana, the process should include public consultation.
In July, council heard from a delegation (Grant Bruce) regarding the establishment of medical marijuana access in Oliver. But Vaykovich cited the Town’s business licence bylaw, which prohibits any operation that contravenes the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Vaykovich researched the practices of neighbouring municipalities and noted the following:
Town of Osoyoos has banned marijuana dispensaries and closed down an existing shop (Starbuds).
District of Squamish amended its zoning bylaw to allow dispensaries in commercial zones.
City of Penticton is still reviewing the issue but recently revoked the business licence of one marijuana dispensary.
City of Vancouver allows medical marijuana-related businesses in commercial zones, with a 300-metre buffer from schools and community centres. Business licence fees are $1,000 for compassion clubs and $30,000 for retail dealers.
City of Kamloops leaves the matter up to the RCMP to enforce. Currently, there are three dispensaries operating in the city.
City of Kelowna does not issue business licences to dispensaries, and has subjected marijuana operations to bylaw enforcement and RCMP action.
Tom Szalay, Oliver’s acting chief administrative officer, confirmed that the Town’s bylaw prohibits storefront dispensaries until such time as they are legalized by federal or provincial legislation.
With federal legislation changes anticipated, Szalay said it makes little sense for the Town to establish its own rules right now.
Once it has all of the information, the Town may wish to pass new regulations, with rules on buffer areas, etc., Szalay said.
He reminded council that Area C (rural Oliver) does not have business licence bylaws. Therefore, any proposal for dispensaries in the fringe areas would be subject only to local zoning regulations, he said.
Council recently raised its eyebrows at a local business, Cannabliss Java and Tea that sells cannabis-infused coffee. Proprietor John Micka said he adds cannabis butter to his customers’ coffee on request.
Micka denied an allegation that he sells marijuana, noting that marijuana dispensaries are illegal by federal standards.
In one Facebook posting, Tony Iannella from Oliver said alcohol is far worse for you than what Micka may or may not be selling.
“Perhaps if Trudeau actually followed through with some of his promises (legalizing marijuana), this wouldn’t even be a discussion.”
In another posting on the Oliver Chronicle’s website, one individual said the Town should treat Cannabliss Java and Tea as a coffee shop and leave it alone.
“I’m glad there is another option for coffee in town, and the name is just a name.”
By Lyonel Doherty
