Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jun 2015
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Emily Jackson
Page: 1

THE FIRST CITY TO REGULATE POT SHOPS

Federal health minister 'disappointed' by decision

Vancouver has become the first city in Canada to regulate retailers
that illegally sell medical marijuana, a move the federal government
immediately condemned.

Council voted Wednesday to implement the controversial business
regulations with Mayor Gregor Robertson declaring the city had no
choice but to deal with the proliferation of pot shops since the
federal government refuses to act.

"It's a common sense approach to regulating medical marijuana in
absence of proper regulation in Ottawa," Robertson said, noting the
police and Vancouver Coastal Health helped develop the policy. "We've
taken action when there's a huge gap =C2=85 we can't just let it be a fre
e
for all."

The rules, which aim to strike a balance between keeping marijuana
away from youth and providing medicine for patients in need, are in
response to an explosion of pot shops in the past six months to 94 in
June from 60 in January.

Federal Conservative Health Minister Rona Ambrose is "deeply
disappointed" with the decision.

In an emailed statement, Ambrose reminded councillors that storefronts
selling marijuana are illegal and that the feds expect police to
enforce the law.

She also used the opportunity to jab at pro-legalization Liberal
leader Justin Trudeau.

"These stores have absolutely no regard for the rule of law and have
been caught selling marijuana to kids - they represent Justin
Trudeau's vision for Canadian neighbourhoods from coast to coast to
coast," Ambrose said.

Yet council showed little patience for Ambrose, blaming the federal
government's failure to adequately provide access to medical marijuana
for the troubles in the first place.

"Wake up. You are completely out of touch with the realities on the
ground," Coun. Geoff Meggs said to her.

The new red tape includes a $30,000 licence fee, a ban on edibles and
restrictions on locating within 300 metres of schools, community
centres and each other. It will force the majority of dispensaries to
shutter or relocate, including two of the most prominent compassion
clubs.

Council tweaked the rules to give non-profit compassion clubs a break
on the fee - the clubs that provide other health services such as
massage or acupuncture will only be charged $1,000 annually.

After hearing from more than 100 speakers at a public hearing that
lasted four nights, Vision Vancouver and the Green Party supported the
regulations with the minority Non-Partisan Association in opposition.

Coun. George Affleck worried the city will wind up in expensive legal
battles over the rules, while Coun. Melissa DeGenova said the rules
were unfair (including the ban on edibles and the high fee) if the
city really supports medical marijuana use.

Dispensaries have 60 days to apply for a licence.

The city's business licence staff will enforce the new rules with
warnings, fines and injunctions if necessary.
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