Pubdate: Wed, 13 Feb 2013
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Darrell Bellaart

OFFICIALS WILL LOOK AT REGULATIONS SURROUNDING THE SALE OF MEDICAL POT

City planners are taking a look at regulations to control the sale of
medical marijuana.

Health Canada recently announced it will get out of the business of
producing and distributing cannabis to patients legally licensed to
use pot to control pain or treat ailments.

Last year the Paradise Island Compassion Society, a medical marijuana
club, opened jointly with the Stash Box, a smoking paraphernalia shop,
at 640 Fifth St.

Neighbours of the nearby quiet, residential street say the business
attracts undesirables. An escort agency is listed at the same address
with the city licensing department.

The property is zoned Corridor3, which includes strip malls and other
retail outlets.

"That allows a range of commercial uses," said Andrew Tucker, city
director of commercial development.

"In the zoning bylaw we don't distinguish if you're selling shoes,
groceries or a pharmacy."

As an example, a large grocery store might sell food, clothes and
medications all from the same location.

Tucker said the situation is under review, because of this question
around the changes around medical marijuana.

City planners realized it could create conflicts after Health Canada
announced it will get out of the sale and distribution of cannabis.

Instead the drug will be produced and distributed privately.

Concerns raised last week by Hillcrest Avenue residents, brought more
attention to the problem for planners.

"We don't regulate, for example, in a strip mall, the mix of tenants
in a strip mall or types of uses that go on beside each other.

City staff understand some patients get medical benefits from
cannabis, and want to tread carefully so as not to block their access
to the drug.

"It's a concern about the non-legitimate use," Tucker said. "We just
got direction to look at that last week."

Nanaimo medical pot advocates Richard Payne is wary of regulating away
medical marijuana, but would support regulations to ensure the purity
and safety of marijuana.

"I don't believe in restricting (pot), but bringing in some quality
control," Payne said.

With planners determined to strike a balance, it's not known how long
the review could take.

"At this point we haven't got any recommendations for council," Tucker
said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt