Abbotsford – The Government of Canada has passed a law to legalize public consumption of non-medical cannabis. This law will come into effect October 17, 2018.
In anticipation of this law coming into effect, in February 2018 the BC Provincial Government announced its legislative framework to provide for legal, controlled access to non-medical cannabis in British Columbia.
When all of the new Federal and Provincial legislation comes into effect, municipal governments across BC will have the authority to establish bylaws in regards to retail locations and rules, land use and zoning, public consumption and enforcement of non-medical cannabis in their communities.
Currently, cannabis retail stores are prohibited in the City of Abbotsford. This rule will remain in effect after the Federal and Provincial legislation comes into effect until the City of Abbotsford makes changes to our existing bylaws.
The City of Abbotsford must now determine what, if any, changes may be necessary to our existing municipal bylaws to ensure we develop an effective local community response to non-medical cannabis legalization.
As a result, Abbotsford City Council is looking for your feedback to help inform any changes we may need to make to our existing rules, including the retail sales of non-medical cannabis in the City, as the federal legalization process unfolds.
Mirroring the retail framework for alcohol sales in BC, the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be the operator of government-run cannabis retail stores and online sales, and the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) will be responsible for licensing and monitoring private and government-operated cannabis stores in BC. More information on the Provincial retail framework can be found on the Government of BC website:
https://www.bcldbcannabisupdates.com/opportunities/retailersBoth government and privately-operated stores will be allowed to sell dried cannabis, cannabis oils that comply with federal requirements, and seeds. Stores may also sell cannabis accessories, as defined in the proposed federal Cannabis Act, i.e., rolling papers or wraps, holders, pipes, water pipes, and bongs used in the consumption of cannabis.
