Whereas new federal legislation has legalized cannabis production and retail as of October 17, 2018 and that such legislation has left provincial and local governments with regulation gaps to fill; And whereas cannabis production operations cause disturbing odours that can create issues and breathing problems to those with respiratory vulnerability: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that provincial legislation be created to enforce the federal regulation that cannabis operations install filtration systems to prevent pervasive odours from these operations to disperse into surrounding communities.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Commercial cannabis producers are regulated by the Federal Government under the Cannabis Act and regulations; the Province is not considering legislation to enforce federal regulations. The federal regulations require commercial producers and processors to be equipped with air filtration systems to prevent the escape of odours from indoor facilities. However, this does not mean they must be 100-percent odour-free; like other agricultural producers, cannabis farmers are permitted to emit some odour. Health Canada carries out annual and targeted on-site inspections to verify compliance. To date, Health Canada has found cannabis production facilities to be quick to address complaints about odour. Local governments can report odour concerns to Health Canada. With respect to concerns about the impact of cannabis production on neighbouring properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve ALR, cannabis production is recognized as an agricultural activity. Individuals aggrieved by nuisances such as odour, light, noise or dust associated with agricultural operations can submit a formal complaint to the BC Farm Industry Review Board who is the independent administrative tribunal tasked with reviewing these complaints.