Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jan 2016
Source: Metro (Toronto, CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/toronto
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3462
Author: Gilbert Ngabo
Page: 7

T.O. WANTS IN ON POT TALKS

Shops will grow 'like weeds,' some fear

Coun. Jim Karygiannis worries the proposed legalization of marijuana
could lead to pot shops "growing like weeds" in Toronto
neighbourhoods.

So, when newly minted MP - and former Toronto police chief - Bill
Blair and the rest of the Liberal government decide how to regulate
the drug, Karygiannis wants Toronto to have a seat at the table.

The Ward 39 councillor will move at city council for a municipal
representative on the federal task force in charge of Canada's new pot
laws.

"We want to have input right from the foundation," he said, adding
he's heard reports of several unlicensed pot dispensaries across the
city and is concerned they could become legal and operational in
inappropriate places.

"I would want to make sure that they are not close to educational
institutions," he said. "Kids going to school and people buying
marijuana, the two don't mix."

At an appearance in Toronto last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
said Canada's current system of prohibition has failed to prevent
youth from accessing marijuana and promised to address the issue
during the legalization process.

If Karygiannis's motion is approved, the city manager will write to
the federal attorney general to request Toronto's inclusion in the
marijuana task force.
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MAP posted-by: Matt