Belleville’s planning committee debating the by-law definitions for marijuana facilities and dispensaries, Jan. 4, 2017. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville has taken a first step in establishing the rules for medicinal marijuana facilities or dispensaries within the city.
Tonight, the city’s planning committee had before it a staff report that set out definitions for medical marijuana production facility and marijuana dispensary.
The purpose is to differentiate between defined manufacturing and retails uses and more specialized uses.
Planning chair Councillor Jackie Denyes says the city wants to be proactive.
Staff reported there have already been enquiries and Denyes says the city wants to be ready.
Councillor Paul Carr questioned why the city didn’t just await federal regulations. His motion to remove dispensaries from the by-law was lost.
Councillor Mike Graham also questioned the need for the by-law definitions since marijuana production is illegal.
The definitions were approved on a non-recorded vote.
The planning committee is recommending that city council amend its by-laws to include the medical marijuana definition and production facility definition.
