Victoria mulls public sites where pot smokers can indulge indoors

Victoria councillors want to bring pot smokers in from the cold.

Councillors on Thursday directed city staff to investigate regulations in other jurisdictions — such as Denver — and to report back on whether it’s a good idea to set up a pilot program for cannabis consumption sites.

“Victoria has been a national leader in developing regulations for the control and lawful retail sale of cannabis, and I think we should continue to be in the forefront rather than be a laggard in development of these regulations,” said Coun. Ben Isitt.

Current regulations, Isitt said, discriminate against renters and strata dwellers.

“People who are fortunate enough to have private land, own their homes, have outdoor spaces in their homes, can consume essentially without violating any regulation once Oct. 17 kicks in,” Isitt said.

“Yet, people who don’t have that luxury because of their housing choices or their housing reality, there’s nowhere to lawfully consume the stuff.”

Isitt noted that in six weeks, federal legislation will allow lawful consumption of cannabis.

But rules set by the Capital Regional District, landlords and strata associations forbid cannabis smoking in many places, both public and private.

“There’s thousands, potentially tens of thousands of apartment dwellers, strata dwellers and others who can’t lawfully consume it in their homes,” Isitt said.

The city should look at consumption sites, Mayor Lisa Helps said.

“Otherwise, there’s going to be about 10 million unintended consequences we’re going to have to deal with,” she said.