Victoria Medicinal Dispensary, opened two months ago at Broughton and Government streets, subsequently closed down weeks later. A similar fate will meet approximately one-third of Victoria's 30-odd marijuana dispensaries when the City of Victoria's new marijuana regulations come into effect on September 23rd. Citified.ca
The City of Victoria’s first step in regulating its high-flying marijuana trade takes effect Friday, September 23rd, and is expected to lead to a closure of multiple dispensaries.
Starting the week of September 26th dispensary operators will be required to apply for a business license and proceed through a formal rezoning process to determine compliance, all part of a new regulatory regime introduced by the City.
The most notable rules restrict storefronts from operating within 200 meters of one another or within 200 meters of a school zone, those restrictions alone will force out approximately one-third of the City’s 30-odd dispensaries.
Mayor Lisa Helps confirmed via Twitter to Citified’s social media partner VibrantVictoria, that the future for many pot shops operating out of their existing premises depends on whether or not they can secure approvals ahead of their nearby competition.
“First [dispensary] approved is where the 200 [meters is] measured from,” Helps wrote on Twitter.
“Cannabis dispensaries will be limited by the 200 [meter] rule.”
Applicants will be expected to foot a $7,500 rezoning fee, plus a $5,000 fee for a business license sanctioning storefront distribution. Wholesalers or marijuana storage facilities will be charged $500 for a license, although they will not be bound by the 200 meter rule nor be required to apply for rezoning.
The new regulations will also force restrictions such as no sale to minors, operating hours will be limited to 7AM through 8PM, and no consumption of marijuana will be permitted inside the business premises. Specific security requirements will also take effect to mitigate some concerns related to the distribution of marijuana in a traditional retail environment. C
Stay on top of local real-estate news with Citified's Insider Report newsletter. Click here to subscribe.
© Copyright 2016 by Citified.ca. All rights reserved.
Article resources
- Stay on top of Victoria's marijuana industry news and issues with VibrantVictoria
- Looking for a new-build home or commercial space in Victoria? Use Citified to research new-build condos, rentals and commercial spaces
- Follow Citified on Twitter
- Connect with Citified on Facebook:
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites may be converted into rental apartments
STAY CONNECTED TO CITIFIED