Marijuana testing to be allowed under new city zoning bylaw

KELOWNA – Sounds like a dream job for some — working at a marijuana testing facility — but the reality is the analytical testing of dried pot is a mundane affair, done wearing lab coats not tie-dyed T-shirts.

It’s also going to be an allowable use if Kelowna city council accepts staff’s recommendation that allows analytical testing as a principal use in industrial areas within the city.

Urban planning manager Ryan Smith says the new bylaw is more of a clarification than new use, defining what can be done inside medical marijuana facilities that hope to operate within Kelowna.

“We were asked a couple of questions about it, so there is some doubt and lack of clarity,” Smith said. “This makes clear what is allowable.”

The previous council created a bylaw to govern the facilities in anticipation of the Marijuana for Medical Purposes regulation which came into effect last April.

Smith said there are a number of companies trying to satisfy Health Canada’s requirements and open a medical marijuana facility within Kelowna, although he did not have an exact number.

While medical marijuana producers can operate their own testing facility, the bylaw also allows for standalone testing facilities which are also governed by Health Canada.

Council will consider Smith’s recommendation at the Monday, Jan. 26 council meeting.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infotelnews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.