Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Cumberland council is getting its ducks in a row to deal with any medical marijuana dispensaries that might want to set up shop in the village.
Last week, councillors gave direction to staff on the policies they wished to pursue in connection with the zoning bylaw, the terms of community engagement on the issue, and regulations for a business permit.
Council was given three options to choose from in permitting dispensaries in the Village Core Mixed Use One zone: Amend the zone; permit spot rezoning; or allow a temporary use permit.
Councillors decided to go the temporary use permit route as giving them the most flexibility.
As for business licence regulations, Councillor Roger Kishi wanted the sale of "edible" marijuana prohibited as was done in Vancouver.
And he also wanted all dispensary employees, not just the owners and on-site managers, to undergo a criminal record check.
Public engagement will involve posting background information and staff reports on the village website; an online survey, with paper copies available, released with a July 29 deadline; and a public open house one evening between July 19-21.
Input gathered from the survey and open house would be presented at the Aug. 8 council meeting.
Councillor Gwyn Sproule said she's uncomfortable moving forward with the issue because the RCMP could come in at any time and close down a medical marijuana shop while the federal government is still pondering whether to make pot legal or not.
"Why don't we just wait. I don't see what the hurry is," she said.
But Kishi said it would be prudent for the village to be proactive on the matter.
"In the event the federal government does something, for us to be prepared is a good thing ... or prepared when the flood gates open up."
Counc. Jesse Ketler said there is interest in having dispensaries in Cumberland and "we need to give staff the tools."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cumberland Starts Work On Medical Marijuana Regulations
Author: Debra Martin
Contact: (250) 334-4722
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Comox Valley Echo
Last week, councillors gave direction to staff on the policies they wished to pursue in connection with the zoning bylaw, the terms of community engagement on the issue, and regulations for a business permit.
Council was given three options to choose from in permitting dispensaries in the Village Core Mixed Use One zone: Amend the zone; permit spot rezoning; or allow a temporary use permit.
Councillors decided to go the temporary use permit route as giving them the most flexibility.
As for business licence regulations, Councillor Roger Kishi wanted the sale of "edible" marijuana prohibited as was done in Vancouver.
And he also wanted all dispensary employees, not just the owners and on-site managers, to undergo a criminal record check.
Public engagement will involve posting background information and staff reports on the village website; an online survey, with paper copies available, released with a July 29 deadline; and a public open house one evening between July 19-21.
Input gathered from the survey and open house would be presented at the Aug. 8 council meeting.
Councillor Gwyn Sproule said she's uncomfortable moving forward with the issue because the RCMP could come in at any time and close down a medical marijuana shop while the federal government is still pondering whether to make pot legal or not.
"Why don't we just wait. I don't see what the hurry is," she said.
But Kishi said it would be prudent for the village to be proactive on the matter.
"In the event the federal government does something, for us to be prepared is a good thing ... or prepared when the flood gates open up."
Counc. Jesse Ketler said there is interest in having dispensaries in Cumberland and "we need to give staff the tools."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cumberland Starts Work On Medical Marijuana Regulations
Author: Debra Martin
Contact: (250) 334-4722
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Comox Valley Echo
