Beaumont Bridges Gap In Medical Cannabis Production Rules

New rules for medical cannabis production in Beaumont address residents’ concerns about odours and other nuisances in residential neighbourhoods.
 
“Municipalities have encountered situations where people with a federal government-issued medical licence were growing dozens of plants in their homes and creating a nuisance for their neighbours,” said Mayor Bill Daneluik. “Beaumont’s Land Use Bylaw now has clear rules for where medical cannabis production can take place, closing the gap created by federal legislation and making sure our neighbourhoods remain vibrant and livable.” 

Council approved amendments to the Land Use Bylaw this week that restrict the production of medical cannabis to land designated as Agricultural Holdings or Business Light Industrial Districts. Producers will also be required to submit a development permit and a site plan that includes odour mitigation strategies. 

Developments for medical cannabis production must also meet the following standards:

• The building must be at least 100 metres away from schools, playgrounds, early learning childhood services, home education programs, and municipal and school reserves.
• Production must be indoors and out of the public’s sight.

 As a result of the changes, medical cannabis production is effectively prohibited in residential and commercial neighbourhoods. The changes do not apply to people who grow up to four cannabis plants at their home for personal use, as permitted by federal legislation.

Large scale commercial cannabis production and processing is also prohibited in the city under the bylaw amendments. 

Media contact:
Mike Berezowsky
Director, Communications and Marketing
780-243-0458
mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca