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Capitalizing on cannabis

City councillor wants to make Edmonton ‘Cannabis Industry Capital of the World’

Nov 14, 2022 | 3:31 PM

Cannabis edibles and beverages could soon be served at cafes and restaurants in Edmonton, if one city councillor’s plan gets the go-ahead.

As the City of Edmonton begins reviewing its zoning bylaws, Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz is calling for changes that would allow the cannabis industry to grow. More than just building budding businesses, Janz’s plan will see the capital of Alberta also become the Cannabis Industry Capital of the World.

“It’s not just about the consumption and enjoyment of cannabis, it’s about the production, the research, the potential to grow a massive industry right here in Alberta,” he said. “We’ve got research around food and we’ve got an enormous array of assets that could be drawn on to help build, expand and produce new products that can be sold.”

The plan, which is posted to Janz’s website, also includes allowing cannabis edibles and beverages to be served at places like cafes and restaurants.

“I was approached by a business who wanted to set up basically, a cannabis kitchen, an opportunity to have a cannabis cafe, where cannabis could be consumed,” said Janz, noting the plan calls for a ‘consumption before combustion’ approach.

“I think it’s important to note that often people picture combustion (at a cafe), they think of people smoking together, but more and more, a lot of cannabis consumption is done through edibles, or oils, or through cooking or through other ways. They wanted to open a smoke-free kitchen, but they weren’t allowed because of our zoning.”

 

Michael Janz.(edmonton.ca)

 

Janz convened a meeting recently, bringing together “a fascinating group of investors, food scientists, entrepreneurs, agriculture producers business leaders, and public policy specialists around the question of how to position Edmonton as the future cannabis capital of the world,” according to a post on his website, which includes a link to providing comments on cannabis zoning.

“There are a few more weeks to review and share your thoughts, before the ZBR moves to Phase 2, but with your support, Edmonton could have properly zoned and compliant consumption lounge spaces for cannabis by 2023,” it reads.

That could include places like restaurants and spas.

By next spring, Janz said, “We need to change the zoning bylaws and entrepreneurs need to express interest and embark on this journey. Once we change the zoning there will be a process for permitting … At the beginning, I think there will be a lot of interest and with creativity, who knows where this is going to go. Let’s try it and let’s see.”

The plan is an ambitious one, says Lorian Hardcastle, an associate professor of law at the University of Calgary, and might not be doable without buy-in from the province.

“One city councillor can’t drive the change without dealing with the province and AHS,” she said.

“To me, I think the next step is really probably actually less about trying to change Edmonton’s bylaws.

The city councillor can certainly start the conversation but I think the legal changes probably would start with the province, rather than with the city, because without knowing what restrictions the province might put in place, or how they might roll it out, it’s hard to kind of anticipate that on the part of the city and craft bylaws that anticipate with the province is going to do.”

Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) oversees the sale of cannabis in Alberta, and Alberta Health Services (AHS) regulates food handling.

In a statement, AGLC said cannabis cafes and lounges are not allowed under the current framework.

“Any change to allow cannabis consumption businesses would require a new class of licence and amendments by the Alberta government to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation,” it read.

“While municipalities may have discussions to consider ideas for future cannabis businesses, existing legislation remains in effect.”

It added AGLC has not yet been consulted on the plan.

AHS declined to comment.