Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Source: Alberni Valley News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Alberni Valley News
Contact:  http://www.albernivalleynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4247
Author: Katya Slepian

CITY APPROVES WEED DISPENSARY REGS

Medical marijuana dispensaries are officially allowed within the City
of Port Alberni-at least as far as the municipal government is concerned.

The votes remained the same as they have since the issue was first
raised after WeeMedical opened its doors at the end October 2015
despite the public hearing preceding the council meeting. Mayor Mike
Ruttan and Coun. Denis Sauve voted against regulating dispensaries and
the other five councillors voted for regulations.

Over 40 people had packed council chambers earlier on Monday evening
to voice their opinions-and the speaker's list was split 9-8 for and
against.

"Does council have the right to make these regulations?" asked Neil
Anderson.

"Why are we doing this? We've got the cart ahead of the horse. It's
ass-backwards," said new resident Fred Mann.

"Under the current law of the country of Canada, is what we're doing
here legal?"

"Under the current federal law, medical marijuana storefront
dispensaries are not legal," said city planner Scott Smith.

Local realtor Chuck Beyer spoke out in favour of regulations.

"What are the opportunity costs of not licencing these places? If you
go a couple blocks from here and these stores are not open, the demand
will simply be met by residential homes," said Beyer.

"The police can't possibly take care of it anymore... and politicians
don't lead, they follow. They stick their finger up in the air and
they see which way the wind is blowing."

Aaron Brevick, who owns a dispensary on Athol Street, raised concerns
over privacy regulations.

"I'm not a big fan of the open glass storefront policy that's being
mandated. I believe that people should have the choice of privacy,"
said Brevick. He wasn't the only one to raise that concern

Lee Green from Nanaimo said that due to the current stigma on medical
marijuana usage, people are embarrassed to buy it and deserve their
privacy. Green suggested a frosted glass storefront instead of a clear
one.

At the regular council meeting later on Monday night, council voted to
approve zoning bylaw regulations as follow:

* dispensaries are allowed in general, service, highway commercial and
core business zones

* dispensaries are not permitted within 1000 m of each other or 300 m
of schools

* dispensaries must be dispensaries only-no shared
use

* no ATMS

Approved business bylaw regulation include:

* all dispensaries, even non-profits require a $220 business
licence

* store fronts must be transparent

* no minors

* signage to indicate product is unregulated

* an understanding that city bylaws do not mean compliance with senior
government laws

Fines of $100-150 per day can be levied if the above requirements
aren't met, Smith said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt