Pubdate: Tue, 13 Aug 2013
Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Chilliwack Progress
Contact: http://www.theprogress.com/contact_us/
Website: http://www.theprogress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562
Author: Jennifer Feinberg

CITY EYES SPECIAL ZONE FOR MEDICAL GROW-OPS

Medical marijuana growing in Chilliwack might be restricted to a 
special industrial zone by next spring.

Proposed changes would mean that medical grow-ops could only operate 
legally within the M6 zone - to the exclusion of all other zones in Chilliwack.

The idea by city officials was to be "proactive," said Coun. Chuck 
Stam, in the face of changes coming to the medical pot rules.

"It will give some certainty for those interested in getting 
involved, as well as for those already on edge about the idea," he said.

The zoning changes in Chilliwack would also mean that medical 
grow-ops could not be located on agricultural lands.

"That would be out of the question if the amendment passes, and 
council endorses it," said Stam.

Zoning changes are going to public hearing on Aug. 20 in Chilliwack.

Asked what other municipalities are doing to prepare for the shift in 
the rules, he said:

"It's all over the map. Some are ignoring it because they don't think 
it will be a factor for them."

But Chilliwack has already had ample experience, and a range of 
public-safety concerns with medical grows, he said.

"Every municipality has their own reasoning and experiences around 
this," he said. Some have little to no experience with medical pot 
operations, whereas Chilliwack has busted several for irregularities.

The discussions have gone full circle at the council level, Stam 
said, having looked at everything from banning them outright, to 
allowing them on ag land.

The "special" M6 zone is geared specifically to those with "the 
potential to be environmentally incompatible" with residential or 
commercial uses.

The related zoning amendments first received introduction and first 
reading on July 16.

The rules used to be known as Medical Marihuana Access Regulations 
(MMAR), but will eventually fall under the Marihuana for Medical 
Purposes Regulations (MMPR). Ottawa announced in January plans to 
phase out individual licences for medical marijuana users to grow pot 
in their own homes and instead have all medical pot grown and 
distributed by highly regulated, secure commercial operators.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom