Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jul 2012
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Author: Jeremy Deutsch

POLICE SPEAK OUT ON DISPENSARIES

RCMP Say 'No Legal Mechanism Available in Canada Today' For Compassion Clubs

It's been two weeks since Coquitlam's first and only medical pot 
dispensary opened up, and so far, its owners say the police haven't 
popped by for a visit.

But, that hasn't stopped local Mounties from weighing in on the 
activities of the Coquitlam Natural Path Society, which runs the shop 
located in Village Square.

It also doesn't mean the police won't be dropping in on the 
dispensary at a later date.

On Thursday, Coquitlam RCMP issued a press release they called 
"factual information" on medical marijuana dispensaries.

In it, without naming the society, the police suggested there is "no 
legal mechanism available in Canada today" which allows for a 
self-described "medical marihuana (sic) dispensary" or "compassion 
club" to function.

Police also note there is no legal mechanism under Health Canada's 
Marijuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) to have excess marijuana 
from licensed growers sent to a dispensary to be sold to others.

Mounties also warned owners or employees of these dispensaries they 
may be charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, should 
evidence exist to support a charge, while anyone showing up at such a 
location to purchase marijuana from persons at the dispensary has no 
legal authority to do so.

RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said there is no evidence to categorize the 
Coquitlam dispensary as illegal, but he added police do monitor such 
enterprises to make sure no criminal offences are being committed.

He said Mounties are aware of the dispensary, but wouldn't say 
whether the non-profit society is being investigated.

"At this time I can't say one way or the other if there are any plans 
on doing anything about it," Chung said, adding the press release was 
intended to clarify the RCMP's position on the issue. "We're doing it 
because of public safety, a lot of times these places are being 
targeted by criminals."

The RCMP also acknowledged they haven't received any complaints from 
the public about the dispensary.

The society's founder and president, Christopher MacLeod, told The 
NOW that, other than an unmarked cop car passing by once, he's been left alone.

"I haven't heard any reaction from the police yet. I'm kind of hoping 
to not hear from them," he said, adding however, the RCMP statement 
does make him a bit concerned he could be targeted.

As for business, MacLeod said it's been brisk. He noted the society 
has signed up 55 members since opening its doors, 90 per cent hav-ing 
government issued MMAR numbers.

"It's really helping the community," MacLeod said.

The dispensary was opened to provide medical cannabis from its 
storefront operation to people who have a legitimate medical need for the drug.

MacLeod said the society gets its product from the excess produced by 
licensed users who grow their own pot, but under federal rules aren't 
allowed to keep large amounts.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom