BC Liberal MLAs Ian Paton and Rich Coleman say the federal government should be doing more to ensure licensed cannabis operators are following the rules when it comes to preventing the escape of odours from their facilities.
Paton and Coleman have sent a letter to the federal Minister of Health and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, lodging a formal complaint and requesting immediate enforcement.
“Our constituents have been complaining about the negative impacts these irritating odours have had on their health and lifestyle,” says Paton, MLA for Delta South and BC Liberal Agriculture Co-Critic. “These cannabis companies have a duty to contain these scents, yet haven’t been cooperating.”
Langley East MLA Rich Coleman says the federal regulations are very clear.
“These operators should be following good production practices, and that includes equipping their facilities with proper air filtration systems,” says Coleman. “Unfortunately, these companies are failing to comply and local residents are suffering as a result.”
Their letter highlights at least four problem operators within their two ridings.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
of BRITISH COLUMBIA
May 1, 2019
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor Minister of Health House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0A6
The Honourable David Lametti Minister of Justice and Attorney General House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A OA6
Dear Ministers:
We are writing to bring forward concerns from our constituents and lodge a formal complaint on their behalf because of the constant odour being released by licensed cannabis businesses in our ridings.
Locations in need of immediate enforcement are:
- 1. Canopy Growth located at 264th and 0 Ave, Aldergrove 2. Rubicon Organics, located on 104th Street, Delta 3. Canopy Growth, located on Hornby Drive, East Delta 4. Emerald Health Cannabis, located on 80th Street, East Ladner
Section 85 of the Cannabis Regulations states:
Filtration of air
85 The building or part of the building where cannabis is produced, packaged, labelled and stored must be equipped with a system that filters air to prevent the escape of odours.
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BC Liberal Official Opposition Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
of BRITISH COLUMBIA
Appendix F: Good production practices requirements states:
Filtration of air (does not apply to outdoor cultivation, propagation, harvesting)
The building or part of the building where cannabis is produced, packaged, labelled and stored must be equipped with a system that filters air to prevent the escape of odours.
Description of the air filtration system, including type, specifications, number and location of air filters, installed (e.g., HEPA, carbon, charcoal, combination, portable filters) and a diagram/floor plan detailing the air filtration/ventilation system (e.g., air intake and air exhaust locations).
We are requesting your immediate enforcement to ensure licensees comply with the
conditions of their licence and ensure their facilities are “equipped with a system that filters air to prevent the escape of odours”. If they fail to comply appropriate fines and closure must be enforced.
Your focused attention to the enforcement of the air filtration requirements is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Rich Coleman, MLA Langley East
lan Paton, MLA Delta South
cc: Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture MP Mark Warawa, Langley–Aldergrove MP John Aldag, Cloverdale – Langley City MP Carla Qualtrough, Delta
BC Liberal Official Opposition Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4