Growing medical marijuana has moved a step closer to becoming a permitted land use in rural communities.
The Regional District of North Okanagan gave third reading Wednesday to a bylaw that would allow medical marijuana production within the Agricultural Land Reserve and industrial zones in the five electoral areas. It will now go to the Ministry of Transportation for endorsement before adoption is considered.
“The federal government has dumped something on us and we can’t say no to it,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, referring to communities having to adjust bylaws so medical marijuana operations can proceed.
“We have to deal with it.”
There have been some concerns about security at these operations which require a permit from the federal government.
“There shouldn’t be a lot of them,” said Rob Smailes, RDNO’s planning general manager.
“They have to follow the rules or they don’t get a licence. We hope there will be greater oversight.”
