A draft of a cannabis consumption bylaw was made public during the latest Olds council policies and priorities meeting and gave insight into prohibition, enforcement and penalties.
The draft of the bylaw prohibits consumption of recreational cannabis in public places within town limits.
The consumption of medical cannabis in public places would be allowed but users would have to adhere to the restrictions regulated by the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act.
Those who are consuming medical cannabis in public places would be required to provide officers with valid medical documents if asked.
Some of the restrictions specified were no smoking in any part of a building, within five metres of a doorway or window or in a vehicle in which a minor is present.
“Are we allowed to limit medicinal marijuana usage to the same as recreational?” asked Coun. Wade Bearchell.
The question was left unanswered as no one in council had a definitive answer. Director of community services Doug Wagstaff said that they would seek out legal opinion in time for when the bylaw is given first reading.
The draft bylaw includes penalties for those who fail to comply with the regulations.
Use of cannabis in a public place would result in a violation ticket. First offence would cost $287 and subsequent offences within 365 days would be $500.
Failure to produce medical documents to use medical cannabis would cost $50 on first offence and $100 for subsequent offences within 365 days.
Lastly the penalty for smoking cannabis for medical purposes in an unauthorized place would be $287 for the first offence and $500 for subsequent offences within 365 days.
No specific date was given for the draft bylaw to be discussed during a regular council meeting for first reading.
