By Lyonel Doherty
The Town of Oliver is sending a written submission to the province on the upcoming cannabis legalization issue.
On Monday, council approved a letter to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General regarding the regulation of marijuana expected next summer.
First off, council wants the consultation period extended, noting that seven months does not provide adequate time to receive input on the regulatory and enforcement schemes of cannabis legalization.
Council’s primary argument: “It is not the responsibility of a municipality to assume responsibility and duties respecting cannabis legalization.”
The Town believes that a “Cannabis Control Board,” similar to the BC Liquor Control Board, should be responsible for the direct distribution and retail sale of cannabis.
In the letter, Mayor Ron Hovanes says it is necessary for local governments to receive an adequate share of the distribution of revenue if they are to assume new responsibilities.
Hovanes believes that local governments should receive at least 20 per cent of any cannabis revenue on a per capita basis to cover the costs of increased inspection and enforcement.
The Town has provided the ministry with the following responses to the cannabis discussion paper:
– Minimum age should be 19 to match the age of majority
– Personal possession to be 30 grams for adults
– Youth should not be allowed to possess, purchase or use cannabis. The remedy for youth possession should be a ticket
– Public consumption should be the same restriction as there is for public smoking – Personal production of cannabis should have no restrictions on where plants (maximum of four) are grown on a residential property
– Commercial production of cannabis within Town limits should be restricted to industrial zones, with restrictions related to increased security and odour.
