Cannabis bylaw vote postponed for two weeks
LETHBRIDGE – A bylaw, to amend the text to allow for retail cannabis stores when the Federal and Provincial Governments legalize growing, distribution, sale and use of recreational marijuana has been postponed for two weeks.
The postponement, requested by Councillor Joe Mauro, will allow council to consider information from several presenters at Monday’s Public Hearing, including the city’s own Senior Development Officer Gepke Stevenson, Dr. Lizette Elumir from Alberta Health, and Rabbi Sidney Speakman, leader of the Joyful House of Prayer Congregation.
At the hearing, Stevenson talked about legalization background information, the purpose of the bylaw amendment, the city’s evaluation and analysis, the consultations undertaken and the department’s ultimate recommendation.
The proposed Bylaw 6123 would not seek to limit business opportunities or to regulate competition. It would essentially treat cannabis stores just like any other retail store, subject to provincial separation distance requirements of 100 metres from any school, school reserve, or provincial health care facilities, along with AGLC processes and approvals.