The Delta police might never get a full handle on what's going to be a very difficult problem to navigate.
That was the warning from Chief Neil Dubord at Monday’s Delta council meeting where a civic report outlining concerns regarding cannabis edibles, extracts and topicals was discussed.
"It's going to be very difficult without analysis. Training is going to have to be significant and I'm not sure we will be able to fully grasp it," said Dubord.
Recreational cannabis became legal last fall but the federal government has held off, for now, legalizing edibles, such as gummies and cookies, laced with pot.
Saying the high from eating edibles can be delayed by at least 30 minutes, which can result in someone inadvertently eating more, Dubord noted something like bright, colourful gummies can be especially dangerous for children.
Supporting strict limits on THC amounts, he said a police undercover operation to purchase edibles at a Delta cannabis store two years ago not only found high, but varied, levels of the ingredient in laboratory tests, which shows just how dangerous edibles can be in the hands of kids. The store, which opened without a Delta business licence, has since been shut down.
Education as well as police training will be paramount, Dubord said.
The civic report on Health Canada's consultation paper looking at potential draft regulations on the sale of edibles, which was endorsed by council, recommended THC limits in order to minimize the potential for overdose.
The city will also call for a prohibition of sweeteners, colourants and flavourings that could increase the appeal of edible cannabis to young people as well as over-consumption.
The report also recommended new packaging and labeling requirements which include child-resistant, plain packaging and health warnings, as well as senior government funding for specialized training for police officers.
Dubord said that unlike alcohol, the effects of edibles can vary more widely depending on the individual and an overdose amount for one doesn't mean it will have the same effect for another.
"This is very difficult, there's no science on this like alcohol," Dubord added.
Council last week also discussed another report on issues related to cannabis in Delta with Mayor George Harvie making it loud and clear Delta's new zoning bylaw, which prohibits cannabis retailers in all zones, will remain.
"We don't want anyone hopeful that this is only temporary and we're just in a holding pattern. I want to send the message that Delta is not open for business, we're closed for business," he said.
Harvie noted the city would not accept any applications to open cannabis stores until the new public safety committee has had a chance to explore the issues, including edibles, and report back to council with recommendations.
