Olds council has voted to restrict the public consumption of recreational cannabis.
Smoking and vaping of cannabis in public areas is restricted and the penalties for breaking this law will be similar to that of cigarette smoking laws.
Medical marijuana can be consumed -- if those using it have proper documentation. If an individual is caught smoking cannabis in public without the proper documentation they will be fined.
Council made that decision during last week’s meeting.
“Council wants it to be much like smoking and make the restrictions. It doesn’t restrict people in totality,” said chief administrative officer Michael Merritt. “It was based on legal opinion we received from our lawyers based both on federal and provincial legislation.”
Resident Chase Jesske who consumes cannabis is more than OK with the decision to ban the public consumption.
“It’s something that I’m fine with because I get it. I look at it like a cigarette; some people don’t want smoke or cigarettes being around in certain areas.
“Do it on your free time at home; just not out in public, because some people may not like that,” Jesske said.
