Cannabis Regulatory Framework
The City is developing a Cannabis Regulatory Framework to implement policies, guidelines, and regulations for cannabis production and processing facilities and cannabis retail stores in Coquitlam.
On June 25, 2020, staff presented a preliminary approach for the City’s Cannabis Regulatory Framework to the Strategic Priorities Standing Committee (SPSC) for feedback. The framework is intended to implement policies, guidelines, and regulations for cannabis production and processing facilities and cannabis retail stores in Coquitlam. A copy of the staff report and a video recording of the presentation and subsequent discussion are available here.
The general approach that was recommended by staff in the report to SPSC for considering the different types of cannabis-related businesses were as follows:
- Production Facilities: Allow approval as-of-right and limit potential locations to areas zoned for industrial use.
- Processing Facilities: Allow approval as-of-right and limit potential locations to areas zoned for industrial and business enterprise uses.
- Retail Stores: Allow approval on a case-by-case basis (e.g. through a zoning text amendment, which requires Council approval) and limit potential locations to commercially-zoned and designated areas.
The report also discusses other considerations such as minimum buffer distances from sensitive uses (e.g. playgrounds, schools) and odour management.
Staff will further develop a scope and process report which will be brought forward for Council’s consideration in Fall 2020. This report will refine the general approaches outlined in the report to SPSC and will include a more detailed plan for the public consultation and outreach process. Should Council endorse the proposed scope and process, staff will proceed with next steps including public consultation and outreach.
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.
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.
- 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)
- Federal Information
- Provincial Information
- Status of the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45)
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