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City seeks feedback on pot dispensary regulations

Victoria residents are being asked to weigh in on the city’s proposed medical marijuana licensing regulations.

Victoria residents are being asked to weigh in on the city’s proposed medical marijuana licensing regulations.

City councillors are waiting to hear from the new federal government about potentially legalizing and regulating the drug, but in the meantime they hope to hear from the public.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said she’s curious to see what the public will have to say.

“I don’t know what the public sentiment on this topic is so that’s precisely why we’re doing public engagement to take the temperature of the community and respond accordingly, and at the same time, hopefully getting some direction from the federal government about what their plans are in the coming years,” she said.

The process will likely include an online survey, an in-depth stakeholder engagement, culminating in an engagement event in February.

Much of the feedback received so far has come from stakeholders. Proposed regulations include banning individuals under the age of 19 on the premise, no advertising or promoting the use of marijuana to a minor, no sale of food products other than tinctures, capsules or edible oils, posting of health and safety warnings, no delivery or mailing of products, and implementing air filtration systems.

Other proposed regulations include limiting hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and requiring at least two employees be on duty and for the premise to have security and fire alarm systems.

There are currently 23 known medical marijuana-related businesses operating in Victoria, only four of which possess business licenses.