With federal legislation set to be introduced this spring to legalize marijuana across Canada, city staff and police in the Tri-Cities may have to rejig their policies.
Port Coquitlam — which already has a storefront dispensary selling recreational pot, contrary to Health Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as well as city regulations — is keeping a close eye on the proposed changes.
Zoning, building and business licensing will likely be affected, with city council approval.
But "until draft legislation has been tabled, the exact role that municipalities will play in a cannabis-regulatory scheme cannot be reliably predicted," said Dan Scoones, PoCo's bylaw services manager.
Coquitlam RCMP is also paying attention as the new rules take shape "but we won't be in a position to comment until we know more," a detachment spokesperson said.
This month, a federally appointed task force recommended adults aged 18 and up be allowed to buy marijuana from retail outlets away from schools, parks and community centres.
As well, as part of its 80 recommendations, the task force suggested personal growing limits be capped at four plants per person and a 30-gram limit be placed on personal possession.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
