Pubdate: Mon, 02 May 2016
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Gemma Karstens-Smith
Page: A3

HALF A DOZEN MEDICAL POT CLINICS GET $250 FINES IN CITY CRACKDOWN

The City of Vancouver began cracking down on unlicensed medical 
marijuana shops over the weekend, but owners say they're still 
committed to keeping their doors open.

Prominent pot activist Jodie Emery said at least half a dozen 
dispensaries were issued $250 fines on the weekend, the first weekend 
inspectors enforced regulations that the city put into place last year.

Emery said Saturday she'd talked to two businesses and they remained 
open. "They're not going to deny accessibility to their patients," Emery said.

The rules were developed when medical marijuana businesses began 
growing across Vancouver. The city refused to grant permits to 140 
dispensaries that didn't comply with rules such as being too close to 
schools. Seven businesses have been issued development permits under 
the city's regulations and 13 applications are being reviewed.

Andreea Toma, the city's chief licensing inspector, said last week 
that shops that haven't been granted a business licence must pay $250 
for every day they remain open and the city could also pursue court 
action, including a $10,000 fine or an injunction order forcing 
stores to close.

B.C. Pain Society owner Chuck Varabioff has been outspoken about 
plans to keep his Commercial Drive store open and said he expected to 
see enforcement officers there on Saturday. By mid-afternoon, he 
still hadn't been visited, but said he was ready when inspectors do 
come calling.

"If they come in with a fine and a ticket, and I have to sign the 
ticket, and accept it, I will, and then I'll decide later how and 
when and if I'm going to pay it," he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom