As of Wednesday, Canadians over 18 years old can legally buy, consume, grow and carry up to 30 grams of pot.
Federal and provincial laws are in place, but it’s up to municipalities to create their own bylaws.
According to the RMWB, the approach taken by the municipality is based on “best practice research and collaboration with other municipalities”.
As of Oct. 17, consumption is not allowed in public areas of the municipality. Although it’s allowed on private property, those who don’t own their homes will need to check with their building manager or owner.
The same rules apply if you want to grow the plant and you don’t own your residence. If you do decide to grow, plants have to be inside or in a fenced backyard.
Alberta rental giant Boardwalk has already banned growing and smoking in their buildings.
Additional fine-tuning to the Smoking and Vaping Bylaw along with the Land Use Bylaw will be considered at a council meeting on Oct. 23.
Although there aren’t any pot retail stores open in the region, proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw include allowing shops in the central business district, highway commercial district and the business industrial district of Taiganova Industrial Park.
At last check, the RMWB was working on nine application for retail stores.
According to the Government of Canada one gram of dried cannabis is equivalent to:
- 5 g of fresh cannabis,
- 15 g of edible product,
- 70 g of liquid product,
- 0.25 g of concentrates (solid or liquid), or
- 1 cannabis plant seed.
Travelling with cannabis
Since provinces and municipalities had the opportunity to set some of their own rules when it comes to legalization, it’s important to confirm laws and bylaws before arriving to your destination.
While British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut have banned consumption in the same spaces as tobacco, the rest of the provinces and territories, excluding Manitoba, have banned public consumption entirely.
Those travelling within Canada by plane can carry the full 30 grams in either their carry-on or checked luggage. Cannabis isn’t allowed in international flights, even if it’s legal in the country you’re flying to.
According to Parks Canada consumption will be limited to campsites.
The Federal Government plans to legalize the sale of edible products within 12 months, once appropriate regulatory controls are created. Until then, homemade edibles for personal use are allowed.
