Council Approves Bylaw Amendments to Include Cannabis-Infused Products

Lloydminster, AB/SK – City Council granted third and final reading of Bylaw 28-2019, a bylaw to amend the text of Land Use Bylaw 5-2016 to include the sale of cannabis-infused products.

The decision came following a public hearing in which no members of the public were in attendance to speak in favour or against the motion at the December 16, 2019, Council meeting.

The amendments include the definitions of a major and minor cannabis retail store, which may cannabis products that are licensed by provincial and federal legislation. This may include the sale of cannabis infused products but does not include cannabis production and distribution or a vaping lounge.

A cannabis infused product may come in the form of, but not limited to, edibles (baked goods, candies), beverages, and moisturizing lotions.

Administration advised Council that the City’s Land Use Bylaw was written explicitly to state that cannabis retail stores would not include the sale of cannabis infused products. On June 14, 2019 the Government of Canada announced amendments to the Cannabis Regulations in the Cannabis Act governing the sale of these additional products. With the federally amended regulations, which came into effect on October 17, 2019, the City’s Land Use Bylaw 5-2016 must follow suit.

Background

Administration brought forward the amendments in Bylaw 28-2019, which received first reading from Council on November 25, 2019. Following first reading of Bylaw 28-2019, a public hearing advertisement was published in the local newspaper on November 28 and December 5, 2019. This item is in alignment with legislative compliance, ensuring the City of Lloydminster’s Land Use Bylaw complies with all relevant legislation.

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