Cannabis Consumption Spaces Coming to BC?
In yet another sign that the cannabis market in Canada is finally loosening some restrictions, BC is pondering cannabis consumption spaces. The provincial government launched a survey in April to get public input into the plan, the Calgary Herald reports. The survey asks about opinions on onsite sales and cannabis consumption spaces in cafés, lounges, concerts and festivals, ticketed events, and spas.
“We have heard from cannabis businesses that consumption spaces could provide an opportunity for the sector to become more economically viable and could better meet the interests of people who use cannabis,” said Mike Farnworth, BC Minister of Public Safety and the BC Solicitor General. “At the same time, others have raised public health and safety concerns, which will need to be carefully weighed. We want to hear the views of all British Columbians so they can help shape how BC’s cannabis sector continues to evolve.”
Dentons, which bills itself as the world’s largest law firm and a cannabis specialist, said that moves like this signal changes to the way Canadian regulators approach cannabis.
“There is significant industry demand to permit the operation of cannabis lounges which would operate in a manner similar to a local bar or coffee shop while providing a safe environment for the public to use and enjoy cannabis products,” wrote four Dentons cannabis lawyers in a blog post in December 2021. “As regulations loosen, we expect there will be increased consumer demand for cannabis consumption lounges and which will further help legitimize the use of the cannabis and social acceptance thereof.”
The Question of Cannabis Consumption Spaces Trending to Greater Openness – LPC
Indeed, there does seem to be a trend towards greater openness towards cannabis, particularly in relation to cannabis consumption spaces. In March 2022, Alberta began allowing cannabis consumption at events including festival cannabis deliveries. Meanwhile, private cannabis stores are coming to New Brunswick, Ontarians can order cannabis through Uber Eats, and farm-gate cannabis is available in Ontario and New Brunswick.
But it’s not all smooth sailing, and for some, change is not coming fast enough. Some experts say that Canada’s cannabis industry needs to be fixed from the ground up. And in BC, the current survey itself is enraging some.
“I felt so infuriated while taking the survey; some questions just drove me nuts,” said Richmond, BC mother Connie Huang. Misinformation about youth access to cannabis and the dangers of cannabis seem to be driving pushback.
Of course, there has been pushback from various people from the beginning. Some still believe the cannabis myths perpetuated from the early days of cannabis prohibition. Change may come – including in terms of cannabis consumption spaces. But it won’t come quickly enough for some.
British Columbians have until May 8 to answer the BC engagement survey on cannabis consumption spaces.
Read the full story at the Calgary Herald
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