Pubdate: Sun, 08 Nov 2015
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Times Colonist
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/letters.html
Website: http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Page: A5

COUNCILLORS TO PRESS TRUDEAU ON POT PLANS

Victoria will write to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for clarification
on the federal government's plans for the legalization and regulation
of marijuana.

Meanwhile, the city will continue to develop its own regulations
governing marijuana shops.

During the election campaign, the federal Liberals promised to remove
Criminal Code provisions against possession and consumption of
marijuana and to institute a federal system for sales and
distribution.

Victoria councillors Marianne Alto and Chris Coleman suggested pausing
efforts to develop regulations surrounding the marijuana retail trade
until the city heard from the prime minister or Feb. 19 - whichever
came first.

But some councillors, including Jeremy Loveday, worried that might
create a "gold rush" effect, with new retailers rushing to get
established before any new regulations are imposed.

Faced with an explosion in marijuana-related businesses, Victoria
council in May directed staff to develop new regulations for the
shops, patterning their approach after Vancouver.

Vancouver has created a two-tiered licensing system that allows
compassion clubs to pay a fee of $1,000, while for-profit pot shops
must pay $30,000.

To qualify as a compassion club, the organization must be a registered
nonprofit, serve members and provide a minimum level of other health
services such as massage therapy or acupuncture, as well as be a
member of the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis
Dispensaries.

Vancouver's rules also require dispensaries to be located at least 300
metres from schools, community centres and one another.

Victoria city clerk Chris Coates said the report should be before
council in two weeks.
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MAP posted-by: Matt