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City of Lacombe passes smoking bylaw in advance of cannabis legalization

Recreational cannabis to be consumed only on private property
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Lacombe City Council completed their necessary legislation for the impending legalization of cannabis after they passed third reading of Bylaw 461, which regulates the consumption of tobacco and cannabis.

Recreational cannabis in the bylaw must be consumed on private property and is not permitted in public areas. Tobacco and medicinal cannabis are permitted in public areas within 10 m of public spaces for the majority of Lacombe, excluding the downtown core where the buffer is 5 m.

The City was previously governed by provincial cannabis legislation, which had a 5 m buffer zone.

Mayor Grant Creasey said most bylaws require give and take, but he feels the City did the best they could with a situation passed down from the federal and provincial level of government.

“We do need to start somewhere and if we find somewhere down the road that there is room for improvement, then I am certain Council will take steps to ensure that will happen,” he said.

Lacombe’s cannabis bylaw is based on recommendations from the Cannabis Readiness Committee, which relied on feedback from residents.

The transition to the new bylaw, even after the Oct. 18th legalization of cannabis, will be difficult to notice for most residents, according to Creasey.

“I think that people will be hard pressed to notice a difference initially but I think it is important that we give both our police and bylaw officers the tools to address the instances where fines are needed,” he said. “Like many people, I look forward to a smooth transition in the middle of the month.

“Exactly what happens remains to be seen.”

Creasey said the City has stepped up to the plate regarding this and their cannabis land use bylaw, which passed at the last meeting of Council.

He said the City has done a, “Good job with both extensive consultation and crafting rules that reflect the wishes of our community as a whole.”

It is still unclear how much, if any of the revenue from cannabis taxation will be passed done to municipalities but the City is hopeful that it will considering the costs of legislation and enforcement.

Much of the enforcement of this bylaw will be discretionary to both police and bylaw officers.

“It is not a situation where there will be an enforcement agent behind every bush and shrub but I think it is important that we have rules that reflect the input of our community,” Creasey said.

He added the City will also assume cost adding signage so that citizens are properly informed of the new bylaw.

todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com