CITY CHANGES BYLAW TO LEGALIZE HEMP

Hemp is now legal in Langley City.

A bylaw that dated nearly as far back as the incorporation of the
City, prohibiting the sale of hemp, was brought into the 21st Century
on Monday night with no comments or objections from council.

In a public hearing on the change to the bylaw, which no one attended,
Mayor Peter Fassbender spoke about how hemp's usefulness included its
use as an additive to milk, as clothing and other items.

"This change to legalize hemp doesn't mean we support the sale of
anything illegal pertaining to hemp," said Fassbender.

City council again had no audience at its Monday meeting.

The antiquated bylaw was brought to light last fall when a marijuana
novelty store called Hempyz moved into the downtown core, causing the
City to not allow the owner to have a business licence.

The owner, Randy Caine, pointed out to City officials that he wasn't
the only store around him selling hemp products. In fact, at least
four stores in the same block were selling hemp products before he
arrived there.

The City has since given him a business licence.