News

Cannabis survey launched by BC government

Published on April 6, 2022 by The Daily Courier

Photo: Contributed/BC government

The BC government wants public input on whether and where weed consumption should be allowed at businesses and special events.

A month-long consultation process on ‘cannabis consumption spaces’ is now underway.

  • RELATED: Take the cannabis consumption survey here

“We have heard from cannabis businesses that consumption spaces could provide an opportunity for the sector to become more economically viable and could better meet the interests of people who use cannabis,” Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said in a Wednesday release.

“At the same time, others have raised public health and safety concerns, which will need to be carefully weighed,” he said.

‘Cannabis consumption space’ is a term for a business or special event that provides cannabis for on-site sale and use. Examples would include cafes, lounges, concerts or festivals, ticketed events, and spas.

Even if such spaces are eventually approved, indoor smoking and vaping would continue to be prohibited, the government says, in line with health regulations on tobacco smoking.

As of last December, there were 426 licensed cannabis shops in B.C., including 18 in Kelowna, five in West Kelowna, two in Lake Country, and one in Peachland.

One-third of British Columbians 19 and over used cannabis in the past year, the government says. A comprehensive government-sponsored survey, involving 25,000 participants, was conducted last year with results to be published this spring.

The cannabis consumption spaces survey takes about 5-10 minutes, and asks questions about whether respondents currently have a space to consume, places where people should be able to consume, and how it might affect cannabis consumption in the community.

Submissions can be made until May 8.

— Ron Seymour