Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Langley Times
Contact:  http://www.langleytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230
Page: 5
Author: Dan Ferguson

DISPENSARY CAUTIONS RAISED

Township concerned about "sudden surge"

As far as anyone can tell, Langley Township hasn't experienced a
sudden growth in businesses dispensing medicinal marijuana and methadone.

Councillor Charlie Fox would like to keep it that way.

Fox raised the issue at the Monday afternoon meeting of Township
council, referring to the "sudden surge" of marijuana dispensaries in
Vancouver and an increase in the number of pharmacies dispensing
methadone "next door," an apparent reference to Langley City.

Ten of the 12 pharmacies in the City currently dispense methadone,
more than triple the number a year ago.

The City recently learned that its bylaw banning methadone
dispensation without supervision by the Fraser Health Authority
violates Canada's Charter of Rights, and is not enforceable.

Langley City began on Monday to take steps to rectify the issue,
giving first and second reading to a bylaw amending its zoning
regulations.

Heroin addicts who replace the drug with liquid methadone usually take
it daily, a $20 profit for the pharmacy each time because it can
charge a dispensing fee plus a fee for watching the person take their
dose.

A 2011-12 report from the Provincial Health Officer shows the number
of pharmacies dispensing methadone has more than doubled in B.C. since
2001-02 when the government made changes to PharmaCare coverage of
methadone.

The Downtown Langley Business Association has expressed fears the city
will become a hub for methadone dispensing in the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver is struggling with an increase in unlicensed marijuana
dispensaries over the last three years, from 20 to 94.

The city is looking at new regulations that would include a $30,000
annual fee, and a requirement that stores must be 300 metres away from
schools and community centres.

Fox said the Township should find out what measures other communities
are taking to deal with methadone and marijuana dispensaries before it
becomes a problem locally.

Staff will investigate and report back to council, but it doesn't
appear there is a serious problem. Ramin Seifi, the municipal general
manager of Engineering and Community Development, told council the
Township "hasn't had any experience" of rapid growth in either type of
dispensary.

Seifi said municipalities cannot prohibit dispensaries, only regulate
them.

Councillor Angie Quaale sounded a note of caution, saying Township
pharmacies are dispensing methadone to patients, some of them people
"arriving in BMWs" and she is not convinced more regulation by the
municipality is needed.

- - with files from Brenda Anderson and Monique Tamminga
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt