By Charles Lefebvre

Real estate association concerned about growing cannabis in homes once legalized

May 2, 2018 | 4:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A bill legalizing the recreational use of cannabis is currently in the Senate, and could be approved by the summer.

However, the Canadian Real Estate Association is hoping for one part of the law to be held back.

The current proposed law centres on the number of plants Canadians are allowed to grow in their home. Currently, the regulations would allow four cannabis plants to be grown in a home for recreational use (Medical cannabis users have been able to grow a limited amount in their homes since 2016).

The association is concerned the regulation will affect housing prices and damage property, and are hoping for a one-year moratorium on growing cannabis in homes until provinces can develop their own legal frameworks.

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Tim Seitz, president of the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board, says realtors locally are also concerned about the law.

“I think the two major issues that could cause problems is the moisture problems which can cause damage, as well as the smell,” he said.

Seitz says the local board is also wanting to see a moratorium on growing in homes until there is more clarity from the federal government

“We just want to make sure there isn’t any problems caused with the moisture, with all those different things,” he said. “If there’s some substance behind the law, then everybody can regulate it better, landlords especially. They have nothing they can do to protect their properties, and they just have to go with what the law says.”

Currently, the Alberta government is also developing its plans for cannabis legalization, though nothing has been passed yet.

The government has indicated renters, condo dwellers and multi-family dwellings may be restricted from growing cannabis due to rental agreements and condo bylaws. The province has said they will consult with landlords and renters about options available.