By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Blackfalds passes on retail cannabis rules for now

Feb 20, 2018 | 5:50 AM

Blackfalds town council isn’t committing either way at this point on whether to allow the retail sale of cannabis.

Council accepted a letter for information at their latest meeting from an Ontario-based campaign called ‘Too Far. Too Fast.’ Those behind the campaign say they are writing local governments across the country to urge them to take a stand against legal cannabis outlets.

The ‘Too Far. Too Fast.’ letter states the federal government’s legalization agenda has fallen short of ensuring youth, motorists and communities are protected from the hazards of legal marijuana. It asks councils to pass a formal resolution on the matter.

“Other jurisdictions, including Manitoba, have recognized a municipality’s right to decide by ensuring they have a local option to preclude the establishment of retail cannabis outlets in their municipalities,” the letter says. “Why aren’t Alberta’s municipalities being afforded the same respect and consideration for their residents?”

Blackfalds Mayor Richard Poole says administration is working hard to provide council with guidelines and recommendations on how to proceed in a positive manner.

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“There’s been no decision that we’re going to have stores within our community yet,” he says. “It is definitely coming at us fast and the towns and municipalities have to follow the guidelines that are going to be set out by the province as far as provision of services — and when it does come forward, we’ll have to look at first of all ensuring that the use of it is regulated in a manner that is acceptable to our community.”

Poole also says if it’s necessary, council should have the power to regulate where in town legal weed can be smoked.

It was announced last week that cannabis consumers will have to wait until August to purchase recreational marijuana as the new legislation moves through the senate.
 

RELATED: Senate deal to vote on pot bill on June 7 means no actual sales before August