With the legalization of marijuana coming this summer the Capital Regional District wants to update its Clean Air Bylaw, by banning vaping and smoking cannabis in areas where smoking is already prohibited. By broadening the definitions of smoke, smoking, burn and burning, the CRD is trying to put vaping and smoking into the same category.
Council Member Marianne Alto says without the hard work and dedication of Island Health employee Dr. Richard Stanwick, Victoria's Clean Air Bylaw would not be what it is today. Alto has this to says, "Dr. Stanwick is coming to ask the CRD to extend the same type of regulation to vaping, anticipating the legalization of cannabis later this year essentially making all existing smoke free areas to include cannabis and vaping." Alto went on to say; "It's quite likely that the recommendations in the report will be favorably considered because Dr. Stanwick of course, I expect, will make the same very strong presentation he has made in previous year about cigarettes and apply similar arguments to cannabis and vaping. He has attached a variety of different research papers and medical documentation to support his position."
The Planning and Protective Services Committee will meet this Wednesday to discuss the amendment.