Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Since cannabis became legal in 2018, and following an extensive period of background research, including a review of the approaches taken by other municipalities, the City of Coquitlam has developed a draft Cannabis Regulatory Framework. The Framework will guide how the City will implement policies, guidelines, and regulations for cannabis production, processing facilities and retail stores in Coquitlam.
The City's Proposed Approach to Regulating Cannabis
The general approach proposed for considering the different types of cannabis-related businesses is as follows:
For production and processing of cannabis, the framework proposes:
- Indoor production and processing be permitted in Industrial zones, with indoor processing also permitted in Business Enterprise zones, with no Council approval; and
- Applications be reviewed through the Building Permit process.
For retail sales of cannabis products and accessories to the public, the framework proposes:
- Retail sales be considered by Council on a case-by-case basis in commercial areas through a zoning text amendment process;
- Rezoning applications be accepted during a specified time period and processed in a batch, to create a level playing field;
- Applicants apply to the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch concurrently with their City application;
- Considering stores in the Burquitlam, Lougheed, Austin Heights, Maillardville and City Centre areas;
- A buffer zone from schools and parks;
- Larger separation distances from places where youth and vulnerable people are located, such as daycares, community spaces, recovery homes, emergency shelters, and community gathering spaces; and
- Design criteria to ensure safety and fit with the neighbourhood.
Next Steps
Following the presentation to Council-in-Committee on Sept. 7, 2021, staff are incorporating the feedback in the development of bylaw amendments and policy updates for Council consideration later this year. Amendments are required to the Zoning Bylaw, Business Licence Bylaw, Bylaw Enforcement Notices Bylaw, and Fees and Charges Bylaw, along with a new Council Policy. The Public Hearing for the bylaw amendments will provide an additional opportunity for public comment.
Public Engagement
Feedback on the City's approach to regulating cannabis-related businesses in Coquitlam was gathered in a survey in early 2021. The feedback obtained is being used to inform the City's Cannabis Regulatory Framework. More information on the engagement process is available on the City's online engagement portal at letstalkcoquitlam.ca/cannabis.
On October 17, 2018, the federal government’s Cannabis Act came into force, legalizing the sale and consumption of non-medical cannabis, subject to additional provincial and local regulation. In anticipation of legalization, the City adopted an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw on April 30, 2018.
These amendments continue to allow medical cannabis grow operations in certain industrial areas under set conditions but prohibit all other cannabis-related land uses, including retail sales, at this time. A copy of the report outlining these interim regulations is available here.
Since cannabis was legalized, Coquitlam has taken a thoughtful approach to regulating cannabis-related businesses. This has included extensive background research and examining leading practices that have emerged in Metro Vancouver, B.C. and Canada as the cannabis retail industry has grown across the country.
Cannabis legalization is a complex process that involves coordination between all three levels of government.
The federal government is responsible for the legalization of non-medical cannabis under the Cannabis Act as well as related impaired driving amendments to the Criminal Code. Learn more at www.canada.ca/cannabis.
The provincial government regulates how cannabis is consumed including minimum purchase and consumption age, possession limits, and wholesale and retail distribution. Learn more at www.gov.bc.ca/cannabis.
Local governments have the authority to regulate certain aspects of the cannabis industry, including if and where cannabis-related businesses such as production and processing facilities and retail stores may be located, and how these businesses may be approved. Local governments may also establish further standards for how cannabis-related businesses operate, including business licensing, signage and odour management.
Smoking and vaping cannabis falls within the existing regulations in the City’s Smoking Control Bylaw. This means smoking and vaping cannabis is not allowed in any location prohibited in the bylaw which includes, for example, City parks, transit shelters, and places of public assembly.
In addition to the City’s Smoking Control Bylaw, there are consumption rules applicable throughout B.C. in the Province’s Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. Generally, those regulations allow smoking cannabis on private residential properties; however, private rules and regulations such as strata bylaws and residential tenancy agreements could also apply.
- What We Heard – Cannabis Framework Survey Results (PDF)
- Report to Council in Committee - Cannabis Regulatory Framework - Consultation Summary and Preliminary Framework - Sept. 7, 2021
- Report to Council - Scope, Process and Consultation Strategy - Oct. 26, 2020
- Report to Strategic Priorities Standing Committee – Proposed Approach to Cannabis Regulatory Framework – June 25, 2020
- Report to Council - April 9, 2018 - Cannabis Legalization Framework - Zoning Amendment Bylaw Number 4865, 2018 - Interim Regulations (PDF)
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