Red Deer bans public consumption of recreational cannabis
RED DEER – The consumption of cannabis in public will be prohibited in the city of Red Deer.
City council voted unanimously in favour of the ban on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Changes made to the Smoke-Free Bylaw come into effect October 17 when recreational cannabis becomes legal and they apply to any public place, with the exception of someone’s home. Bans there can be enforced by a property owner or landlord.
The prohibition also applies to medical users, who may consume cannabis in public, as long as they can provide proof of exemption to law enforcement, and they abide by the rules for smoking tobacco.
“We have those who have the right to use it for medical purposes competing with those who have the right to not be exposed for health purposes,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “I think we’ve done the best we can with the circumstances we have. The good news about a bylaw is we can always amend it if necessary.”