Robert Celt
New Member
Council won't be butting-out on proceeding with setting ground rules for medical marijuana production and sale here.
Despite opposition from some councillors, the motion to enact a rejigged bylaw sheltering the city's interest went ahead as recommended by the planning advisory committee.
Coun. Paul Carr and former police inspector, Coun. Mike Graham, are vehemently against legalization, despite the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has handpicked former Toronto police chief Bill Blair to lead the federal government's agenda for legalization.
Carr rejected the motion, saying he's not onside with dispensary, retail operations setting up shop here.
"It's not legal under federal law," he said, adding that a number of municipalities have amended bylaw to "allow for production facilities, but I can't find any amendments where they have included marijuana dispensary in terms of retail sales," Carr said.
The federal government faces mounting roadblocks, including several international agreements on the issue and the always difficult consent from the provinces.
Carr noted that while he lauded the city's proactive approach, in this case the city is acting too fast on a matter where any rules it set could be deemed useless if it doesn't align with provincial and federal rules, if and when they take effect. Vancouver and Victoria have sought police input on how to address grey areas, such as dispensaries toeing the legal line.
"I think we're moving too far ahead in terms of where the law may go," said Carr.
Council's support now gives staff the green-light to clearly define how and where these retail and manufacturing facilities can operate can proceed on to become law. The proposed amended zoning rules now stipulate "medical marijuana facility shall mean premises used for the growing, producing, testing, destroying, storing, or distribution of medical marijuana or cannabis authorized by a license issued by Health Canada."
It also states "marijuana dispensary shall mean a business selling or dispensing marijuana or cannabis products as the primary activity of the business."
Current zoning bylaws predate the establishment of such uses, therefore making it unclear whether a medical marijuana production facility could currently be interpreted as an agricultural or industrial use.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Belleville, ON: Council Moves Ahead On Pot
Author: Jason Miller
Photo Credit: Jason Miller
Website: The Intelligencer
Despite opposition from some councillors, the motion to enact a rejigged bylaw sheltering the city's interest went ahead as recommended by the planning advisory committee.
Coun. Paul Carr and former police inspector, Coun. Mike Graham, are vehemently against legalization, despite the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has handpicked former Toronto police chief Bill Blair to lead the federal government's agenda for legalization.
Carr rejected the motion, saying he's not onside with dispensary, retail operations setting up shop here.
"It's not legal under federal law," he said, adding that a number of municipalities have amended bylaw to "allow for production facilities, but I can't find any amendments where they have included marijuana dispensary in terms of retail sales," Carr said.
The federal government faces mounting roadblocks, including several international agreements on the issue and the always difficult consent from the provinces.
Carr noted that while he lauded the city's proactive approach, in this case the city is acting too fast on a matter where any rules it set could be deemed useless if it doesn't align with provincial and federal rules, if and when they take effect. Vancouver and Victoria have sought police input on how to address grey areas, such as dispensaries toeing the legal line.
"I think we're moving too far ahead in terms of where the law may go," said Carr.
Council's support now gives staff the green-light to clearly define how and where these retail and manufacturing facilities can operate can proceed on to become law. The proposed amended zoning rules now stipulate "medical marijuana facility shall mean premises used for the growing, producing, testing, destroying, storing, or distribution of medical marijuana or cannabis authorized by a license issued by Health Canada."
It also states "marijuana dispensary shall mean a business selling or dispensing marijuana or cannabis products as the primary activity of the business."
Current zoning bylaws predate the establishment of such uses, therefore making it unclear whether a medical marijuana production facility could currently be interpreted as an agricultural or industrial use.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Belleville, ON: Council Moves Ahead On Pot
Author: Jason Miller
Photo Credit: Jason Miller
Website: The Intelligencer
