Pubdate: Fri, 01 Mar 2013
Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471
Author: Jeremy Nolais

POLICE LETTER SMOKES LOCAL DISPENSARY TALK

As they brace for new federal regulations barring residential
marijuana grows, Calgary police are aiming to snuff out any talk of
establishing dispensaries locally.

A letter to Health Canada dated Jan. 28 and obtained by Metro
indicates that while police support the move away from home grow
operations - members have long suggested they can pose a public safety
risk if improperly managed - they want to see tight regulations that
would only allow the drug to be provided in the same manner as other
pharmaceuticals.

"Since the government is proposing to treat medical marihuana like any
other legally prescribed narcotic, we would recommend that the sale of
this drug be restricted to pharmacies and hospitals as with any other
regulated drug," the letter states.

Health Canada has launched a public consultation on new regulations
for medical marijuana growing and appears primed to move towards a
commercial market that would provide the drug only to licensed users.

But Calgary deputy police chief Murray Stooke said the service's
recommendation would simply "normalize the process," allowing for
better management and enforcement against violators.

"People with prescriptions can already obtain it (marijuana) through
that (pharmacy) channel," he noted.

But Keith Fagin with Calgary 420 Cannabis Community said dispensaries
better serve marijuana users because they often feature numerous
strains of the drug and products containing it - baked goods, butters
and other items.

"These guys know their stuff, they live it, breathe it - it's their
life," he said of dispensary operators. "It's a much more friendly
atmosphere. These are like-minded people, they understand."

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Marijuana dispensaries already operate in B.C., Ontario and
Quebec.

According to the from Calgary police, the City of Calgary has already
been approached by contractors looking to obtain permits and support
for the construction of medicinal marijuana grows.

If police recommendations were accepted, the commercial grows would
still operate legally but only be allowed to provide their product to
pharmacies and hospitals.
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MAP posted-by: Matt