Hastings Prince Edward Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza at the Board of Health meeting, October 3, 2018 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Officials from two Quinte area municipalities say they are not even being notified about marijuana production facilities in their municipalities.
Reeve Rick Phillips of Tyendinaga Township and Mayor Jo-Anne Albert of Tweed both told the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health Wednesday they are concerned about the issue.
Phillips said some people are growing “thousands of plants” for medical purposes.
Phillip said they would “all of a sudden pop up on a side road.”
He said, “the local MP apparently didn’t know about it.” Phillips asked if the health unit could help.
Albert said one operation in her municipality was given a licence without local officials even knowing about it.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza says it’s not yet specified who is enforcing the federal legislation.
Oglaza tells Quinte News, “The health unit has had experience working with municipalities on tobacco, so they could pass by-laws to further restrict its use and that’s one area where we can influence policy change. On the local level, it had a positive impact on the health of the community. It worked in the past dealing with smoking tobacco. I would appreciate direction,”
The Medical Officer of Health indicated that he hopes it will be worked out between province and the federal government.
“If it is decided that public health is responsible for any aspects then we will be taking that on, but at this point we are awaiting more directions,” he added.
