Recreational Cannabis in Ladysmith

‘Cannabis’ refers to any product made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant.

Recreational cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. The Province of BC, through its Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), is responsible for regulating the recreational sale and use of cannabis in this province.

Cannabis can be smoked, used with a vaporizer, or added to food or drinks.

Only dried and fresh cannabis, cannabis oils and seeds, and plants for personal cultivation  are legal for purchase from government stores, or private retail cannabis stores with a licence from the LDB

The sale of edible products remains illegal in Canada until federal legislation allows otherwise.

Retail Sale of Cannabis in Ladysmith

The sale of recreational cannabis in the Town of Ladysmith is not allowed under our Zoning Bylaw.

Many topics related to the legalization of cannabis are also beyond the powers the Town and municipalities across Canada. (see the chart below). 

What we can control is where non-medical cannabis can be sold within our boundaries.

In late April, Ladysmith residents received a survey in the mail asking how you feel about the retail sale of cannabis.

The results of the survey are available here.

Federal Government

BC Government

Town of Ladysmith

(within the federal and provincial legislation)

Possession limits

Set the minimum age to possess, buy or consume cannabis (19)

Zoning and business licensing to determine where cannabis stores may be located

Taxation

Allows adults to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in a public place

Identifying where consuming cannabis will be allowed in Ladysmith (through the Smoking Regulation Bylaw)

Regulatory compliance

Prohibits cannabis smoking and vaping everywhere tobacco smoking and vaping are prohibited, as well as at playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, and other places where children commonly gather

Setting rules on public visibility and security requirements for growing cannabis plants at home to ensure public safety and limit nuisances (such as odours and visibility).

Education

Authorizes adults to grow up to four cannabis plants per household, but the plants must not be visible from public spaces off the property, and home cultivation will be banned in homes used as day-cares

 

Setting minimum regulatory standards that the province may uphold or further restrict

Established a cannabis retail licensing regime similar to the current licensing regime for liquor

 

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