Pubdate: Thu, 03 Dec 2015
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Andrea Peacock
Page: A1

POT SHOPS STAND FIRM AFTER VISIT FROM COPS

2 dispensaries in Vernon say they will remain open to serve
customers

Marijuana dispensaries in Vernon have been warned by Vernon RCMP
officers they may have to shut down if illegal activity is detected.

When RCMP visited MMJ Total Health Care on 31 Avenue in downtown
Vernon on Nov. 25, Hasia Glaim, co-owner, was not in at the time.

"Another partner and I went down to the RCMP station Thursday morning
and discussed what was said," said Glaim. "They basically sat us down
in an interrogation room and told us that what we were doing was
illegal and did not comply with Health Canada, and that we should shut
our doors, otherwise they could arrest owners, employees and patients
who are in the store at the time."

Glaim said she was surprised by this news, since MMJ Total Health Care
has not had any problems with RCMP in the past year it has been open.

"We've actually helped the RCMP solve crimes downtown with our
surveillance cameras," she said.

Glaim said they only received a verbal warning from police, which was
read from a piece of paper, but no written warning was given.

"We were not able to obtain a copy as he would not provide that to
us," she said. Despite the warning, MMJ Total Health Care will remain
open, said Glaim.

"We have a lot of patients that depend on us. Our doors need to be
open for cancer patients, children with epilepsy, autistic children,
people with PTSD and chronic pain."

Glaim said she has obtained legal advice since speaking with the RCMP,
and employees of MMJ Total Health Care remain on alert.

Glaim is also in daily communication with other dispensaries in
Vernon.

"When it comes down to it, we just have to stay filled with positivity
and faith," said Glaim. "We truly believe in what we are doing."

Black Crow Herbal Solutions in Vernon was another of the five
dispensaries to receive a visit from RCMP last week.

"They visited, but no big deal," said Sharon of Black Crow Herbal
Solutions, who did not want to give her last name. "They read us the
law on marijuana, which we know already."

Sharon said she is not concerned about Black Crow closing.

"We're running a medical facility, and most of our people are senior
citizens that come in here," she said. "All we're doing is helping
people."

The reason behind the RCMP visit to the dispensaries was to outline
concerns relating to the current Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,
said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy in a press release.

"By taking a proactive approach, the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP is
ensuring that these businesses have a clear understanding of the
current laws surrounding marijuana and the CDSA and the potential
ramifications should illegal activity be detected."
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MAP posted-by: Matt