Members of the Comox community will have a chance to have their say next Thursday on the Town’s regulations surrounding marijuana retail sales.
In April, Comox council unanimously approved a bylaw to prohibit the sale of cannabis within the town but were quick to point out that Comox Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1880 is not a ban on the sale of marijuana.
Rather, they noted, the bylaw is the first step in a process while municipalities wait for word from both provincial and federal government.
In their report to council, planners Marvin Kamenz and Gail Andestad along with planning technician Elliot Turnbull noted most of the powers to regulate recreational cannabis sales have been delegated to municipalities that may use available tools to meet the needs of their communities.
Municipalities have the ability to permit recreational cannabis sales in all zones that allow retail stores, while relying on federal limitations on the promotion and marketing of cannabis, and provincial regulations for hours of operation.
Council unanimously approved an open house on June 14 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Comox Community Centre for public input and further discussion.