Revelstoke cannabis bylaw adopted on eve of legalization day: Here are the local rules

The recreational consumption of cannabis is officially legal for adults across the country. Here’s what you need to know about using, growing your own, buying and selling cannabis in Revelstoke under the new local bylaws. This is not an exhaustive list of all the regulations, just the main points of the new local rules:

Rules for smoking

Smoking cannabis in public is covered under the city’s clean air bylaw. Rules for smoking cannabis in public follow in line with those for use of tobacco products and vaping. Smoking cannabis on private property is allowed, however those who rent will have to abide by the rules set out by their landlords who are able to dictate whether or not smoking marijuana is allowed on the property. The legal age to purchase, possess and consume cannabis products in BC is 19.

Smoking cannabis is prohibited in the following areas:

-Inside a community facility or within eight meters of an entrance way, vent intake or window of that facility.

-In a park or playground.

-In a cemetery owned or managed by the city, including the public road within.

-In a motor vehicle or equipment owned or leased by the city.

-In a transit shelter (including an eight-metre buffer around the shelter).

-During a special event located in a park, unless designated smoking areas are allowed.

Rules for retail

Currently there are no cannabis retail locations in Revelstoke. The nearest government-run location is in Kamloops and online orders can be placed through bccannabisstores.com. If you’re considering opening a cannabis retail store in Revelstoke here’s what you need to know.

-Applications for a License for Cannabis Retail sales need to include a license to operate from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.

-Hours of operation for cannabis retail stores are limited to the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

-Sales are not permitted within 100 metres of the nearest property line of a site containing a school, daycare facility, community centre, youth centre, public park, public playground and other municipally owned or operated facilities or sites catering to youth.

-Sales are not permitted within 100 metres of another store in the following locations: C1 (Central Business District), C2 (Downtown Fringe Commercial), C6 (Victoria Road Commercial District), and C6A Victoria Road Commercial/Residential District).

-Sales are not permitted within 300 metres of another retail store in the following locations:  C4 (Highway Commercial District), C7 (Service Commercial District), and C11 (Neighbourhood Public House).

Rules for growing

As per federal and provincial rules, those who are of legal age are able to grow up to four cannabis plants on their property. The plants must not be visible from a public space and can be grown indoors or outdoors.