Pubdate: Sat, 12 Sep 2015
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Robert Barron
Page: A1

POT STORES CALL WARNING LETTERS 'ELECTION PLOY'

Operators of a number of medicinal marijuana dispensaries in Nanaimo
think that the federal government is playing politics with the industry.

Robert Clarke, who operates five Limelife medical cannabis
dispensaries, said the decision by Health Canada to send out
cease-and-desist letters to a number of medicinal marijuana
dispensaries across the country is a blatant effort by the ruling
Conservatives to garner votes for the upcoming federal election.

Clarke said he believes the move is an "election ploy" by Stephen
Harper to try to get "old-timers" to vote for the government as the
prime minister realizes his chances of winning re-election are growing
increasingly slim.

Anita Roy, the assistant manager at Trees Dispensary on Bowen Road,
said she also thinks the cease-and-desist letters are part of the
Conservative's election strategy to "get tough" on the country's
growing medicinal marijuana industry.

"We're hoping for a new government that is not Conservative, but even
if Harper is re-elected, he can't continue to go against the tide on
this issue," Roy said.

"Sooner or later, this prohibition will end no matter which party
forms the government in Canada."

Health Canada has sent out the cease-and-desist letters to 13
marijuana dispensaries and compassion clubs across the country,
warning the RCMP could raid them if they do not shut down immediately,
even those in cities where local police have mostly tolerated them.

The department is demanding the dispensaries stop "all activities with
controlled substances" immediately and submit a written statement
confirming this action by Sept. 21.

The threat is the first indication that Ottawa is prepared to
intervene directly to shut down Canada's storefront
dispensaries.

"The sale and advertising of marijuana is illegal," the letter says.
"You are encouraging Canadians to engage in conduct that could also
expose them to criminal liability."

Roy said the Trees Dispensary wants the industry to be properly
regulated and would welcome rules to govern it by Health Canada and
other authorities.

"We want to be able to guarantee the quality and safety of our
products for our customers."
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MAP posted-by: Matt