Beaumont is working to address residents’ concerns such as odors and other nuisances related to medical cannabis growing operations in residential neighbourhoods.

On June 27, City Council approved a motion for Administration to draft amendments to Beaumont’s Land Use Bylaw that would prohibit individuals with a federally-issued licence from growing medical cannabis in residential land use districts.

“When the federal government legalized cannabis and began issuing licences for people to grow it in their home for medical use, they created a situation where a single house could have upwards of 100 or more plants,” said Mayor Bill Daneluik. “Unfortunately, they didn’t include any requirements to address potential issues, like overwhelming odors, from growing large amounts of cannabis and have left municipalities to deal with the problem.”

If the amendments are approved, licensed medical cannabis producers would be permitted to locate in other designated land use districts and would require a development permit from the City of Beaumont. This would not affect the ability of people to grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use at their home, as permitted by federal legislation.

Administration will present amendments to Council for consideration later this year. Any proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw will be subject to a public hearing and approval by Council.

Media contact:
Mike Berezowsky
Director, Communications
780-243-0458
mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca