Pubdate: Tue, 04 Dec 2001
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Rachel Evans

POT SHOP NEAR COP SHOP

Paraphernalia Outlet Is Also Across The Street From Courthouse

The irony of a pot paraphernalia store and cafe moving in right across from 
the provincial courthouse isn't lost on city cops. And police say the new 
store's location near police headquarters and the Law Courts building is 
convenient, since it makes it easier to watch for any suspect fumes 
drifting out the front door at 10253 97 St.

"They're going to catch the eye of the police on a daily basis," said 
police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Anderson.

"If that's directly in line - and it sounds like it - with the east side of 
the courthouse, then certainly every day that a policeman comes out of that 
courthouse they'll probably see this business. It's not soon forgotten."

Marijuana Party of Alberta leader Ken Kirk said the party's offices are 
moving to the new site, and will operate much like a cafe and a "head shop" 
selling pot paraphernalia.

Kirk promised there won't be reefer for sale in his new shop, although 
customers will be able to pick up pipes and bongs. He didn't rule out the 
possibility of the occasional toke by a brave customer on the premises, 
however.

Anderson said a cafe where marijuana is smoked openly would definitely draw 
the attention of city police.

The new Edmonton store's location isn't unprecedented, since an area of 
Vancouver notorious for its drug trade is situated near a courthouse and 
cop station also, said B.C. Marijuana Party founder and marijuana-seed 
mogul Marc Emery.

His said his experience has been that the law lands lightly on weed sales 
that happen out in the open.

"The more open you are about doing something, generally the courts give you 
a smaller and smaller penalty," Emery said.

Emery said he'd be willing to sponsor a pot cafe venture in Edmonton, but 
he's having a hard time finding an entrepreneur willing to get arrested and 
possibly lose assets to seizure by police.

"They don't have to charge you," he noted. "They can just take this away 
and you'll have to sue the police to try and get this back."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens