Background
In April 2017, the federal government introduced Bill C-45, known as the Cannabis Act, to legalize recreational cannabis in Canada by July 2018. This bill creates a framework to regulate how cannabis is produced, distributed and sold by identifying health and safety standards, establishing criminal prohibitions and defining responsibilities for provincial and municipal governments.
In February 2018, the provincial government released legislation and regulations regarding cannabis legalization through its Cannabis Framework.The City of Leduc will have a role to play in the legalization of cannabis related to education, retail location and rules, public consumption, and land use and zoning.
The development of the City of Leduc's bylaw and policy surrounding the legalization of cannabis is dependent upon guidelines, regulations and recommendations provided by the provincial and federal governments. As legislative requirements are provided from both governments, the city will adjust the development of its bylaws and policy accordingly to determine the best course of action in managing the legalization of cannabis.
City of Leduc Bylaw Amendments
With the proposed legalization of cannabis expected to come into effect in 2018, the City of Leduc has developed new rules to accommodate the production, sale and consumption of cannabis.
Land Use and Business Licence Bylaw Amendments On June 25, City Council approved amendments to the Land Use and Business Licence Bylaws to manage the recreational sale and production of cannabis in Leduc. Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw will come into effect July 18, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. – development permit applications will not be received by the city until this time. More information regarding applications can be found in Cannabis-related Business.
Community Standards Bylaw Amendment (Public Use) On June 25, City Council approved amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw to manage the public use of cannabis. These amendments will make the public use of cannabis similar to rules governing the public consumption of alcohol. Smoking and vaping cannabis will be prohibited in public places, which are defined in the bylaw as any property, publically or privately owned, that the public may have access to. Cannabis consumption will be permitted in private residences.