Re: Marijuana Dispensary
During the Oct. 22 councillor candidate forum, a question was asked about the city granting a business license to the marijuana dispensary on 68th Ave. that has apparently been in operation for three months, and current councillor Neil Krog responding that it was a legitimate business and there was no requirement to notify neighbours.
This was the first time I heard about the dispensary in our city.
The next day I e-mailed Mr. Allin, CAO of our city, asking what he could tell me about that business and why the city granted a business license. His response was: “The city issues business licenses to those businesses that qualify under the cities zoning bylaw. The city is not in a legal position to deny a business licence to a business when they qualify under the zoning bylaw. If they are in contravention of the law it is up to the RCMP to enforce those laws.
“If you would like to learn more about the business I would encourage you to stop in and talk to the owner. I hope this helps.”
As suggested by Mr. Allin, I attempted to visit the dispensary Friday, Oct. 24 only to find the shop closed, no signage on the building identifying what business was operating or what was being sold in suite #4, and no building number displayed on the building. Talk about flying under the radar!
As laws and regulations pertaining to medical marijuana are the responsibility of the federal government, I then checked out Health Canada’s website.
Under “Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Use of Marihuana”, and “For Licenced Producers” it states: “Can I operate a storefront? No. You must ship dried marijuana directly to the client (or their physician, if requested).”
And, “Can I sell/provide product to a compassion club or dispensary who will then distribute on my behalf? No. Only licensed producers are authorized to sell or provide dried marijuana. Licensed producers must ship dried marijuana directly to the client (or their physician, if requested) in accordance with the new Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations.”
Also on Health Canada’s website is a list of companies that currently have been granted a license to produce and distribute medical marijuana. Checking the websites of each company listed, it is noted that not one of those companies is located in the Greenwood/Grand Forks/Christina Lake area.
Despite Mr. Krog’s statement that it is a legitimate business, I have to wonder whether it truly is legitimate.
For all intents and purposes, it would appear our town is being used as a pawn by the pro-marijuana faction in their persistent efforts to force the Canadian government to legalize marijuana. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I resent being used!
Sylvia Treptow, Grand Forks