Pubdate: Fri, 04 Dec 2015
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Roger Knox

DISPENSARIES DISTURBED BY RCMP ACTION

They're members of the chamber of commerce and Downtown Vernon
Association.

They say they have complied with all aspects of business licensing and
they have helped police try and solve crime in the downtown core.

Yet the owners of MMJ Total Health Care are feeling angry after a
visit last week from Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP officers, warning them
that their medical marijuana dispensary and compassion business may be
in danger of being closed permanently.

"We received a verbal warning that we were in danger of being shut
down," said Jeff Gaudette, one of three co-owners of MMJ Total Health
Care. "The officers would not leave a copy of the letter with us.

"They came in, threatened to close our store, charge owners, employees
and patients which is above and beyond being absurd."

Five such medical marijuana dispensaries in Vernon were visited and
all were given the same warning.

Gaudette said there was no indication there were any problems with his
business, which opened in late 2014, from police or the city.

"Prior to opening our doors, we had disclosed everything with the RCMP
and city bylaw department," he said. "They all knew what we were doing
and what we are about."

Gaudette said his store has given out more than $20,000 in free
medical cannabis products over the past year, and is doing "everything
and anything" to be a positive part of the community.

That includes, he said, helping the local RCMP detachment.

"We've assisted them in solving crimes with our camera footage
outside, he said. "They are currently looking for more camera footage
from us to help solve some more crimes over the weekend. But after
receiving the threatening warning, we're a little uneasy at helping
them at this point."

Gaudette said his store did not receive a time frame as to when the
RCMP would return to possibly close down the operation.

Imre Kovacs is the owner/director of The Herbal Health Centre in
Vernon. He acknowledged the verbal warning from the RCMP.

"The City of Vernon and RCMP were fully aware of our intentions months
and years in advance of us opening for business," said Kovacs in a
statement. He opened his business nearly 36 months ago.

"We have complied with direction and feedback we received from these
officials and we have operated openly, transparently and responsibly.
The record is very clear."

Kovacs said he has no plans to close his operation.

"With the support of our local administrations, we're able to serve a
membership base of more than 2,000 patients," he said. "We have a
mandate and a responsibility to continue our service. If patients stop
coming, then we will have no reason to keep our doors open."

Vernon RCMP, meanwhile, said they visited the dispensaries "to outline
our concerns and the potential ramifications related to business
practices which do not comply with the current Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act (CDSA)."

"It is important that the RCMP ensure that individuals and businesses
are fully aware of the legislation, and expectations moving forward,"
said Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy in a press release.

"By taking a pro-active 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."

The businesses were notified of the police's concerns, the provisions
of the Marijuana Medical Access Regulations, Marijuana for Medical
Purposes Regulations, the CDSA federal statute, and that possible
actions may be taken by the local detachment in the future.

No specific deadline has been given in this matter.

"Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are committed to working with our
communities, partners and stakeholders to ensure the safety of the
general public and compliance with the laws of Canada," said
Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP Supt. Jim McNamara.

"These matters are being actively investigated, and the Vernon-North
Okanagan RCMP will not be commenting further on this issue."

Gaudette's store has started a petition campaign seeking public
support, and added that the other dispensaries "are on the same page,"
which Kovacs acknowledged.

"We have a petition going that's now five pages deep and the other
stores have petitions as well," said Gaudette.

The petition states what happened on the day the store was given a
verbal warning and calls for supporting medicinal cannabis
dispensaries in the city.

"We're rallying for general support from public saying that we're
okay, that we're an asset to the community," said Gaudette.

In Nanaimo, RCMP gave cease-and-desist letters to 10 dispensaries,
giving them a week to close operations or face charges.
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MAP posted-by: Matt