Pubdate: Thu, 02 Sep 2004
Source: Westender (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 WestEnder
Contact:  http://www.westender.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1243
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

LETHARGY ON POT ISSUE

It seemed a little too good to be true. For the last four months, Da Kine, 
a marijuana cafe operating on Commercial Drive, has been openly selling pot 
for medicinal and recreational purposes, with customers ordering 
over-the-counter from a menu detailing the chronic on offer.

Cafe owner Carol Gwilt, who has not had any complaints from police or city 
hall, went public with her underground operation on Wednesday, choosing to 
inform police and members of the media what her business was up to. A 
statement given to the CBC revealed that Vancouver Police had no plan to 
deal with the cafe, and infact they had only become aware of it with 
Gwilt's announcement. City council also made it clear that the, er, joint 
wouldn't be a priority, especially given the lack of complaints surrounding 
it. The cafe and its owner are working in the cause of harm reduction, and 
Gwilt says she hopes to convince the city that her business is vital to the 
community. Store sells dope. Store goes public with their plans.

Officials barely bat an eyelash.

We can't help thinking this may be a tempest in a (tea)pot.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D