Cannabis consumption bylaw first reading by Council

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

With the legalization of cannabis for recreational use coming into effect Oct. 17 (today), Claresholm town council has given first reading to a bylaw governing consumption of cannabis.

At its Oct. 9 meeting, council reviewed a report from administration outlining how municipalities will respond to the legalization of possession and consumption of cannabis.

The report stated the bylaw essentially treats public consumption similar to alcohol.

Public consumption, in all its forms, including smoking is prohibited in all public places. Public place is defined as any place to which the public has access as of right by invitation, express or implied.

If a request comes forth for consumption to be permitted at a public event, that request is handled through a process established for permitted locations. In addition, the smoking bylaw allows for designated smoking areas.

Consumption includes restrictions for individuals authorized to smoke cannabis for medicinal purposes, and the bylaw defers the cannabis user to the regulations set forth in the smoking bylaw.

The addition of a section referencing the respectful consumption of cannabis on property an individual occupies. This section sets out the criteria that should be considered for the respectful consumption of cannabis.

Council discussed a proposed nuisance consumption section that stated no person shall cause or permit the consumption of cannabis on property they own or occupy if the consumption is likely to disturb the peace of any other individual.

Council passed first reading of the bylaw, but later returned to discussion on it.

Mayor Doug MacPherson said he did not agree with telling someone what to do on their own private property.

“For me, this is pretty restrictive,” he said.

Coun. Kieth Carlson said he saw the bylaw as containing grounds for mediation.

Coun. Brad Schlossberger said he also had a problem with telling people what to do on their own private property.

MacPherson noted if neighbours can complain about cannabis smoke coming from a neighbouring property, that puts more onus on the community peace officer.

Council then agreed to amend the bylaw, deleting the section on nuisance consumption entirely, with MacPherson, Schlossberger and Couns. Gaven Moore and Lise Schulze voting in favour, and Carlson and Coun. Craig Zimmer voting against.

The final two readings of the bylaw will be given at a future meeting or meetings of council.