Community input to be collected through Whistler’s new online engagement portal
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is seeking input from the community on the proposed Cannabis Retail framework. Guided by the Official Community Plan (OCP) goals, objectives and policies, the policy will provide regulatory direction, guide the review of applications, and provide consistency in decision-making to permit cannabis retail establishments in Whistler.
The RMOW currently prohibits the retail sale of cannabis through the Zoning Bylaw. However, at the December 7 meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with consultation for the development of a framework to regulate the sale of retail cannabis in Whistler.
The community can learn about the policy development milestones, proposed regulatory mechanisms, view background documents and provide comment on the proposed framework through the RMOW’s new engagement portal.
Input will compiled in an engagement summary and used to inform Cannabis Retail regulatory framework, to be presented to Council in the spring of 2022.
“Cannabis retail has been a long-standing topic of discussion within Whistler since the Cannabis Act was first introduced in 2018,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “We look forward to hearing from the community so we can develop a cannabis retail policy that is reflective of our values and vision for Whistler.”
To learn more about the Cannabis Retail Policy development and to access the engagement portal visit whistler.ca/CannabisRetail.
Cannabis Legalization Background
The Federal Government of Canada legalized recreational cannabis across the country with the adoption of the Cannabis Act on October 17, 2018. The Cannabis Act has created a framework for cannabis production and distribution, as well as regulation and enforcement of criminal offences – including measures to protect youth. On October 17, 2019, the Cannabis Act was updated to legalize edibles, topical applications and extracts.
Through legislation including the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, the Province of British Columbia established the legal framework for the possession, use, and retail licensing of cannabis while the Cannabis Distribution Act established the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) as the wholesale distributor of non-medical cannabis in the province and regulator of BC cannabis stores.
Local governments retain the power to regulate land use, consumption in public space, and business licensing regarding cannabis sales and production in their municipality.
For more information, visit whistler.ca/CannabisRetail
