Frequently Asked Cannabis Questions

    Why do we need a by-law if Cannabis is legal?

    A by-law is the tool that municipalities use to control land use (i.e. what uses are allowed on what lands within the township).  Given that Cannabis is a legal product, municipalities throughout Canada are making decisions on how and where Cannabis can be grown and produced within their municipal boundaries.  These land use controls are largely being implemented in response to public concerns regarding odor, safety and proximity of cannabis to “sensitive land uses” (which are things like homes and schools).  

    This cannabis by-law looks to control the growth and production of cannabis from a land use perspective in the same way that industrial or residential uses are controlled.  It will describe where and how people or companies can grow and/or process Cannabis in Brock.

    Can I still grow four (4) plants?

    Yes, the Federal Government allows the following:

    “Adults who are 18 or 19 years or older (depending on province or territory) are able to:

    • possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis, or its equivalent in non-dried form, in public
    • share up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent with other adults
    • buy cannabis products from a provincial or territorial retailer
    • grow up to 4 plants per residence (not per person) for personal use:
      • from legally acquired seeds or seedlings
      • depending on the province or territory

    Possession, production, distribution and sale outside of what the law allows remains illegal and subject to criminal penalties, ranging from:

    • ticketing
    • up to a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment”

    How many plants can I grow in my backyard?

    You can grow the legally allowed 4 plants on your property regardless of where your property is, how it is zoned or how large it is.

    I live on a farm, how many plants can I grow?

    Even on a farm, you are legally allowed to grow only 4 plants per residence.  To grow more than 4 plants on a property, a license or registration from Health Canada is required.  

    If I have a prescription for Cannabis, can I grow the number of plants needed to produce the amount of Cannabis noted in my prescription?

    A license or registration is required from Health Canada in all situations where more than 4 plants are grown.  The proposed by-law is does not address individuals growing the number of plants required for their prescription.  Designated Growers growing plants for other people with prescriptions will be required to go through the Site Plan Approval process.

    How do I get registered to grow more than 4 plants?

    Please refer to the guidance provided by Health Canada regarding Cannabis for additional details on the Health Canada website.

    Do cannabis operations smell?

    At certain times of the year, the outdoor growth of Cannabis does have a distinctive odour (much like many other agricultural uses).   Requirements in the Official Plan for studies and the encouragement of “Air Treatment Control” are in place to mitigate odour impacts.

    How far away from schools do cannabis production or processing facilities need to be?

    According to the draft by-law, if a facility is equipped with “Air Treatment Control” it cannot be located closer than 150m to a sensitive land use, which includes schools.  If the facility does not have “Air Treatment Control”, it must be no closer than 300m to a sensitive land use.