Pubdate: Thu, 07 Apr 2016
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Dalson Chen
Page: A4

LOCAL ADVOCATES TAKE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO CANNABIS

One has pro-pot organization, other to sell medical weed via
dispenser

Two Windsor pot advocates are taking vastly different approaches to
their cause - with one seeking legitimacy through a new pro-cannabis
confederation, and the other vowing to sell medicinal marijuana
whatever the legal consequences.

Jon Liedtke, co-owner of Higher Limits at 251 Ouellette Ave., said his
new Canadian Cannabis Confederation will present a consolidated voice
for cannabis-oriented businesses, as well as medical and recreational
users.

"What there needs to be is a unified front that will stand up to
prohibitory measures, and at the same time advocate for free, fair,
and progressive cannabis policy," Liedtke said.

Earlier this week, Liedtke went to Queen's Park to talk about cannabis
issues with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care, as well as Patrick Brown - leader of the Ontario PC Party.

Liedtke said both meetings were positive, and there'll be more
discussions in the future. "We were able to sit down and express our
points of view.... It's definitely not as black-and-white as people
might think."

But the real coup from Liedtke's trip was having the Cannabis Friendly
Business Association of Toronto join the new confederation. Liedtke
said the association represents around 70 businesses. "With them
alone, that's about 450 contributing members."

"We're very happy to have them on board, and we're looking forward to
partnering with other organizations to advance cannabis dialogue
municipally, provincially and nationally," Liedtke said.

Meanwhile, Leo Lucier - owner of newly opened Vapelated Vapor Lounge
at 26 Chatham St. E. - said he plans to be selling medicinal marijuana
in downtown Windsor by April 20.

While Higher Limits has a strict policy of not allowing any exchanges
of cannabis on its premises, Lucier said he considers the issue more
of a "grey area."

Lucier said he intends to install a dispensing machine at his
establishment, similar to machines he has seen in use at cannabis
lounges in Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto.

Medical marijuana licence holders would use their debit or credit
cards to make purchases from the machine. Lucier said the machines
require input of the licence holder's information before issuing a
prescribed amount.

"You put in your number and it dispenses your pot. There's no cash
going over the table," Lucier said.

Asked if he will obtain the necessary clearances to dispense medical
marijuana, Lucier replied: "See, in Vancouver, nobody clears it with
anybody.... But people are putting in (the machines) anyway."

When it's pointed out to him that possession of marijuana for the
purpose of trafficking remains a crime under Canada's Controlled Drugs
and Substances Act, Lucier said he expects that to change - and he's
willing to deal with the consequences in the meantime. "They can come
and shut me down, because it's going to happen," Lucier said. "I'll
take it to court. I'm not afraid of that."

Lucier said he's asked to meet with officials from the city and
Windsor police to discuss his plans. He said he intends to give all
the proceeds from the vending machine to the Downtown Mission. "I'm
not out to profit from pot."
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MAP posted-by: Matt