Milk River cannabis bylaw in place
Smoking, vaping, or consuming cannabis in public places is illegal within Milk River as of October 17.
“Council deems it necessary to impose additional restrictions on the smoking, vaping and all other forms of consumption of cannabis in public places to prevent behaviours and conduct that may have a negative impact on the enjoyment of public places,” explains Ryan Leuzinger, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Milk River.
Leuzinger says that the Town Council reviewed what other municipalities were doing, reviewed applicable legislation, and drafted the bylaw.
Prior to second reading of the bylaw, Leuzinger says that medicinal marijuana was exempt from this bylaw.
But the community wanted medicinal marijuana included within the restriction of all cannabis consumption in public spaces and so the Council agreed to include medicinal marijuana with the restriction.
If a peace officer believes that a person has contravened any provision of this Bylaw, Leuzinger says the officer may issue a violation ticket in accordance with the Provincial Offences Procedure Act and the ticket will cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Tickets may or may not also require a court appearance to pay the fee. “The community's reaction to the bylaw has been positive,” Leuzinger said.