Sign up for our newsletter about new books in your discipline and exclusive offers. Last updated: June 15, 2018 With the legalization of recreational cannabis,160;federal laws under the Criminal Code are in place to address drug-impaired driving. The Government of B.C. has established160;tough provincial sanctions to help keep drug-affected drivers off our roads. READ MORE: Who wins, who loses from later-than-expected marijuana legalization date This new provincial legislation permits Council to pass a resolution to opt-out of provincially-licensed cannabis retail sales by January 22, 2019. If Council does not pass a resolution to opt-out, licensed retail stores will be able to operate best marijuana strains for creativity within the City and the decision cannot be changed after January 22, 2019. However, if Council passes a resolution to opt-out, it may lift the prohibition at a later date. City staff will present Council with a report prior to January 22, 2019, for a decision on this matter. The Province has indicated that the amount of provincial funding that a municipality will receive to assist in cannabis legalization will be tied to whether that municipality has opted-out or not.