Here’s how Victoria plans to regulate recreational marijuana in BC once legalized

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – The BC government has just released its full list of regulations for when recreational marijuana becomes legal in the summer.

BC’s Liquor Distribution Branch will operate a new standalone network of public retail stores.

“In BC, adults will be able to purchase non-medical cannabis through privately-run retail stores, and through government-operated retail stores, and online sales –although it won’t happen overnight,” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, says.

The operating rules governing public and private retail stores will be similar to those currently in place for liquor. However, in order to promote responsible use, licensed retailers will not be able to sell cannabis in the same stores as liquor or tobacco.

“Licensed retail stores will be limited to selling cannabis, and cannabis-related products,” Farnworth adds. “They will be prohibited from selling other items like clothes, lottery tickets, snacks, gas, etc.”

Adults aged 19 years and older will be allowed to possess up to 30 grams of non-medical cannabis in a public place, which aligns with the federal government’s proposed possession limit for adults.

BC will generally allow adults to use non-medical cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking and vaping are permitted.

However, smoking and vaping of non-medical cannabis will be banned in areas frequented by children, including community beaches, parks, and playgrounds.

“Local governments will also be able to set additional restrictions on places of use as they do now for tobacco,” Farnworth says.

Impaired driving

The use of cannabis in any form will also be banned for all occupants in vehicles. Farnworth says the framework comes after months of engagement and research.

“These decisions include safeguards for the retail sales of non-medical cannabis and are driven by our priorities of protecting youth, promoting health and safety, keeping the criminal element out of cannabis and keeping our roads safe.”

The province is working toward toughening regulations as well as increase training and tools for police officers in order to prevent driving under the influence and remove drug-impaired drivers from the road.

If you are found to be driving while high, you’ll be subject to a new 90-day administrative driving prohibition. As with alcohol, there will be zero-tolerance for new drivers.

“This in addition to the measures that are being introduced by the federal government, and we’re eager to hear more from them on that front. We will continue to work with law enforcement and stakeholders to help British Columbians make safe decisions about driving.”

However, Farnworth admits these large changes won’t be happening overnight.

“We fully anticipate all levels of government will need to continue to assess and refine cannabis policy and regulation in the months and years to come.”

Growing and smoking in rental properties

Farnworth says new regulations will allow landlords and strata councils to restrict or prohibit non-medical cannabis smoking and cultivation at tenanted and strata properties.

Adults will be allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, as outlined by federal legislation. “However, the plants must not be visible from a public space or off-property,” he says.

Non-medicinal marijuana can not be grown in homes used as day cares, and landlords and strata councils will be able restrict or prohibit home cultivation.