There needs to be some more debate before regulations for medicinal marijuana plantations will be considered.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board decided Wednesday to defer requiring building permits for medical marijuana facilities although such a move had been recommended by the agricultural advisory committee.
“This is the first I’ve heard of this,” said director Eugene Foisy.
The primary concern is that the issue had not gone before the Electoral Area Advisory Committee, which oversees planning and building matters for the five rural areas.
“We want to have a discussion around special requirements for these buildings,” said director Rick Fairbairn.
The board agreed to defer the matter so EAAC can look at it further, but director Mike Macnabb was opposed to the delay.
“We have had the discussion (at the agriculture committee),” said Macnabb.
“The Agricultural Land Commission has said it supports the agriculture industry and medicinal marijuana is part of that. But we don’t know what the facilities will look like. They will create safety and security issues for neighbours.”
