BANFF – Less than a month from the legalization of pot in Canada, Parks Canada remains hazy on plans for public cannabis use and retail sales in Banff National Park.
The Town of Banff has banned public smoking and vaping of cannabis in all public places, restricting it to private residences and properties only; but the rules for the rest of the national park once cannabis becomes legal on Oct. 17 remain unknown.
Parks Canada has declined several interview requests, but officials sent an email response saying they’ve been working with federal and provincial partners over the past year to development its approach to cannabis.
“Parks Canada will continue this work in the coming weeks and ensure the agency is well-positioned to implement the appropriate legislation once legalization comes into effect,” wrote Audrey Champagne, media relations officers in Parks Canada’s national office. “The agency’s final plan will be shared in the coming weeks.”
Under the Town of Banff’s regulations, those caught smoking or vaping pot in public places will be given a first time warning before getting hit with a $100 fine.
