Legalization of recreational marijuana use is only a week away and the Mayor of Cold Lake says he’s confident the city is ready. Craig Copeland says the city has seen interest from potential marijuana store operators.
“We’ve had five development permits issued for cannabis store retail locations. Four in the south and one in the north.”
The OK on those stores can’t be given until a license is acquired from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commision. The group recently released a list of stores that will be licensed to sell marijuana on October 17th. A license has yet to be announced for a store in the Lakeland.
As for public consumption of the drug, Copeland says the laws will pretty much mirror those of alcohol. When it comes to someones personal property, residents will have the right to spark up when they want.
“I think that’s where a conflict could happen is neighbour to neighbour with the odour. Right now, there’s not a bylaw on that. People who want to smoke cannabis are going to be allowed to do it on their own property.”
The city has worked with local RCMP officers to hash out its local bylaws when it comes to marijuana consumption. Copeland believes a talk could be held after the legalization date if a law needed another look.
“We’ll leave it to our experts, our local bylaw officers. If we need to tweak something, we’ll bring it back in council.”
17 stores in Alberta will be ready to sell marijuana on October 17th.
