Pubdate: Thu, 05 Mar 2015
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: San Grewal
Page: GT3

MISSISSAUGA SET TO LICENSE MEDICAL MARIJUANA FARMS

City responsible for location and proper use of medical pot

Mississauga is set to become the first city in Canada to license and
regulate the production of medical marijuana.

"The federal government legalized these operations, but we're the ones
eventually responsible for where they're located and the enforcement
of them," said Councillor Jim Tovey, after a committee vote on a new
bylaw that passed Wednesday.

Final approval is expected to come from full council by the end of
March.

A staff report dated Feb. 18, 2015, indicated that no other city in
Canada has made such a move, following the federal government's
transition in 2013 and 2014 to license the private production of legal
medical marijuana.

"It's really a public safety issue," Tovey said.

The report states that a Mississauga bylaw will guarantee that private
medical marijuana production in the city will conform to building,
fire and safety codes. Once the bylaw is in place, inspectors will
legally be able to enter facilities to make sure all regulations are
being followed.

"And it allows us to determine where they are located. Obviously you
don't want these in residential areas or near schools. Through the
bylaw we will be able to enforce zoning for medical marijuana
production in manufacturing and industrial zones."

Tovey said a raft of problems could arise if producers started work in
the city without a proper regulatory regime in place.

"Just look at what happens with illegal grow-ops. You have everything
from safety issues to what the product is actually being used for.
This by-law will make sure federal regulations are being met."

The report states that two facilities have already received zoning
approval, subject to a number of conditions. They are not up and
running yet as they do not have the required licences from Health
Canada. Two other facilities that city officials know of have been
told to cease "non-permitted use" until they obtain the required zoning.

An original licence will cost $250, with a recommended annual renewal
fee of $200.
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MAP posted-by: Matt