Processing of Medical Marihuana Products in the Light Industrial Business Park Zone

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ATTACHMENT 2 Processing of Medical Marihuana Products in the Light Business Park Zone Regular Council Meeting July 4, 2017 Moved by Mayor Becker, seconded by Councillor Bell, that Council direct

1 ATTACHMENT 2 Processing of Medical Marihuana Products in the Light Business Park Zone Regular Council Meeting July 4, 2017 Moved by Mayor Becker, seconded by Councillor Bell, that Council direct staff to investigate and report back on the following: A. Federal and Provincial Regulations as they relate to processing, manufacturing and other activities associated with marihuana production; AND B. How other local governments are regulating uses as associated with marihuana.

2 Federal Laws Regarding Cannabis Production, Processing and Distribution Medical Marihuana Access Regulations (MMAR), Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulation Federal Court interim injunction granted in March 2014 Draft Cannabis Act (Second Reading) Narcotic Control Regulations The Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR) fall under the authority of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). The CDSA and its regulations provide a framework for the control of substances that can alter mental processes and that may produce harm to an individual or to society when diverted to an illicit market. Examples of narcotics regulated under the NCR include oxycodone, cocaine, opium, codeine, morphine and cannabis The NCR describe the circumstances and requirements in which persons (including businesses), pharmacists, practitioners and hospitals may conduct regulated activities including possession, sale, distribution, importation and exportation, and production of narcotics. Laboratories with a Dealer s Licence are currently permitted to conduct activities with cannabis, including analytical testing and processing into products such as oils or capsules. Laboratories are required to apply to the Federal Government for a Dealers Licence and must submit declarations that the qualified person in charge has not been convicted of a drug offense or a criminal offense.

3 Medical Marihuana Industry Production (growing) Testing (no mandated testing yet, many companies proactively test ) Processing (for oils and other consumables) Distribution (shipped directly to consumer, retail not permitted yet). Most local governments regulate production and distribution, not testing or processing City of Pitt Meadows Zoning Bylaw Section 3.4, Specific Prohibitions: h) The cultivation, processing, drying, storing, packaging, distribution or testing of marihuana or medical marihuana is prohibited in all zones. (Bylaw 2626, 2013)

4 Local Government Practices Municipality Mechanism(s) Zones Permitted Abbotsford Blanket prohibition None Burnaby Site-specific rezoning application. Coquitlam Specific areas zoned to permit the production of medical marihuana for other people under MMAR Delta Blanket prohibition None, although may consider site specific zoning for use. City of Langley Blanket prohibition None Township of Langley Restricted all aspects of medical marijuana production to industrial zones Richmond Blanket prohibition, site specific rezoning for processing District of North Vancouver Chilliwack Blanket prohibition Specific areas zoned to permit the production of medical marihuana None Surrey Site specific rezoning Agricultural and limited commercial Case Study: Richmond Richmond adopted zoning amendments that specifically prohibit marijuana production and research and development facilities as a permitted use in all of its zoning classifications. Such facilities would only be considered on a case by case basis and approved through a site specific rezoning process, requiring a public hearing. The facility would have to be licensed by Health Canada and meet community safety and environmental standards determined by the City. Facilities would only be permitted in select locations. The City would only allow for one such facility at any given time. Since the new zoning amendments were adopted, the City has considered two rezoning applications for marijuana research and production facilities, granted one approval.

5 Conclusion Medical marihuana processing, testing, research and development is an activity that is permitted and regulated under Federal regulations. Staff Recommendation Direct Staff to advise Pinecone Products Ltd. to submit an application for a text amendment to the Zoning Bylaw to permit the processing of medical marihuana products in the Light Business Park (I-3) Zone.

6 Processing of Medical Marihuana Products in the Light Business Park Zone Regular Council Meeting July 5, 2017

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT Planning and Development Committee Agenda Item 2 TO: FROM: Planning & Development Committee B. Newell, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: November 7, 2013 RE: Siting of Federally