Local rules and regulations around weed sales now closer to reality
NANAIMO — The often hazy picture of what legalized marijuana in Nanaimo will look like is now more clear after details of a cannabis task force were confirmed.
Coun. Jim Kipp was selected as chair of the task force at Monday’s City Council meeting. It was unanimously approved the task force have members from Island Health, the RCMP, three existing community committees and two representatives from the cannabis industry. The task force will work on amending bylaws and recommendations already in place to make for an easier transition when marijuana is legalized, regarding City planning and zoning.
Whether the industry representatives would be from legitimate business or still illegal dispensaries became the main point of discussion.
“I don’t think it’s wise for us to pretend we don’t have 20 retail stores out there selling product,” coun. Diane Brennan said. “I think we’ll miss the boat if we don’t bring them in on this.”