In an unprecedented move, the City of Grand Forks council held a hearing on Monday night to consider the application of a business licence by Herbivore Cannabis dispensary.

The hearing was performed as an aside during the regular meeting of council on Monday. It was called under Section 60-5 of the Community Charter, although according to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Diane Heinrich, the city has never before had to hold a hearing.

Couns. Colleen Ross, Julia Butler and Chris Hammett attended the meeting via teleconference.

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A report about a potential dispensary bylaw led to questions about city involvement in RCMP matters.

After City of Grand Forks heard a presentation on the potential legal ramifications of having a dispensary bylaw last week, questions arose from the gallery on the city's involvement in the recent RCMP action towards dispensaries in the city.

Dave Smith from Smithplan Consulting presented the report to council on the legal consequences and actions the city could take on dispensaries within city limits, which was requested at the March 13 Committee of the Whole.

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