Surrey outlines how it will handle legalized pot

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SURREY (NEWS 1130) – The City of Surrey is talking pot just two days after Victoria announced how it would regulate recreational pot in BC once the federal government makes it legal later this year.

We know the Liquor Distribution Branch will operate a new standalone network of public retail stores. The operating rules governing public and private retail stores will be similar to those currently in place for booze. But to better promote responsible use, licensed retailers will not be able to sell weed in the same stores as liquor or tobacco.

In preparation, Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner says her staff has outlined a framework for how the city will handle legalized pot.

“Our report was prepared following a comprehensive review of best practices in jurisdictions of the United States with legal recreational cannabis markets. Council and I have directed staff to implement the necessary steps outlined in the framework over the coming months,” says Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner in a statement.

  • Review of existing context for Federal and Provincial regulations on cannabis
  • Lessons learned from impacts seen in the United States with recreational cannabis frameworks
  • Overview of cannabis in 2018, including medical uses and potential risks
  • Implementation checklists for zoning and land use, bylaws and regulations, inspection and enforcement, revenue and economic development and education and public engagement

 

Earlier this week, the provincial government announced adults 19 and older will be allowed to possess up to 30 grams of non-medical marijuana in a public place, which is the same as the federal government’s proposed possession limit for adults.

BC will allow adults to use non-medical cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking and vaping are permitted, but they won’t be allowed to light up around any areas frequented by children.

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