Despite some confusion in the discussion over whether council would be making space for medical marijuana processing, only to have a growing facility pop up instead, the site-specific land use bylaw amendment sought by Olds SoftGels Inc. was passed on Aug. 22.
The amendment adds "medical marijuana facility" as a permitted use to the company's property in the southeast industrial park.
A medical marijuana facility is defined by the town's Land Use Bylaw as a building authorized by the federal government for "growing, processing, labelling and packaging, storing, and transporting of marijuana."
It was that one word, "growing," that some on council were stuck on, even though Olds SoftGels has stated in a letter that its intent is only to possess and extract cannabis oil, encapsulate it and sell it under provisions of the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).
"I didn't realize the total definition for medical marijuana facility includes the growing, the processing, the capsules, all of that. I think that was the stumbling point for us," said Coun. Mary Jane Harper.
Chief administrative officer Norm McInnis said the development authority can deny an application that comes in different from what was originally stated in the letter.
He adds that Olds SoftGels will need to make some upgrades to its facility to meet the stringent requirements of the MMPR.
"Certainly a storage vault. Security will be a big part of their requirements under the federal legislation," he said.
Olds SoftGels could be the second business in town to enter the medical marijuana industry. Sundial Growers Inc. is also pursuing a growing facility in Olds.
Harper said these developments contribute to good jobs and help retain young people who hit working age.
"The facility by Cremona has grown quite a bit. I know their employment has increased because of that. Giving the youth of our community an opportunity to stay in the community is a big thing," she said.
McInnis said he never could have predicted Olds being fertile ground for businesses trying to enter the cannabis business.
"From a growing perspective, we've got a ton of sunlight on an annual basis in this area," he said. "It's just happening and we're not quite sure why."
"I didn't realize the total definition for medical marijuana facility includes the growing, the processing, the capsules, all of that. I think that was the stumbling point for us." MARY JANE HARPERTOWN COUNCILLOR
