For Immediate Release: Monday, May 12, 2025
Victoria, B.C.:
By Ted Smith
A cannabis retail rezoning application for 1625 Quadra Street and the $7,500 fee has been sent to the City of Victoria by the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club. Despite not being in compliance with the Cannabis Act, the VCBC is anticipating city council will continue to support its efforts to obtain a temporary exemption. In an attempt to recover the costs of the application and from debts incurred from raids by the B.C. Community Safety Unit, a raffle is being organized by the VCBC.
The VCBC had obtained zoning for cannabis retail at its former home on Johnson Street. However, when new owners suddenly evicted the compassion club a couple of years ago there was no time to find a location with the proper zoning. After consulting city staff last summer, it has taken some time to collect the $7,500 and prepare the application. A public hearing will be held in several months to give neighbours, VCBC members and the public an opportunity to discuss the rezoning application.
Though the VCBC has not complied with the Cannabis Act, past city councils have expressed strong, unanimous support for the organization in its attempts to obtain a temporary exemption from Health Canada. During this process, the VCBC will ask council to send another letter to the B.C. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety, Gary Begg, this time requesting a behind-closed-doors meeting with the mayor and representatives of the VCBC to explain the situation. In 2000, Mike Farnworth, predecessor to Gary Begg, responded to city council supporting granting the VCBC an exemption, in part, though he never explained exactly what that entailed.
Recently published research confirms the benefits of store-front, community-focused compassion clubs versus the legal federal medical cannabis program, which is mail order only. Despite raids and massive fines since legalization, the board and staff of the VCBC remain committed to providing advice to patients about cannabis and access to high-dosage products at affordable prices.
The raffle features an amazing crystal skull made by VCBC member, Mitch Clarke. Second prize is accommodations for one night at the fabulous Galiano Growhouse Farm Stay. More prizes to be announced later. Winners will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of the VCBC on October 16.
