Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jun 2015
Source: Cranbrook Daily Townsman (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Black Press
Contact:  http://www.dailytownsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/723
Author: Carolyn Grant

KIMBERLEY COUNCIL TO GRANT LICENSE TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESS

Mayor Don McCormick says he is proud of Kimberley City Council for 
making a progressive decision in the matter of granting a business 
license to Tamarack Dispensaries.

Tamarack Dispensaries will operate in Marysville and sell high 
quality medicinal cannabis products such as edible cookies, butters, 
oils and tinctures. When the proponents, Rod and Tamara Duggan 
presented to Council in April they said that the storefront would be 
"upscale and clinical".

However, granting a business license was not as simple as one might 
think, because Council had to override its own bylaw to do so.

"Staff was obligated to reject the business license application 
because it didn't meet the bylaw for complying with federal 
regulations," McCormick said. "But Council can override that bylaw."

And that is what Council did after a lengthy discussion, focusing 
mainly on the implications of allowing such a business in Kimberley. 
The vote was unanimous in favour.

"I am proud of Council for taking a progressive position on what is a 
controversial issue," McCormick said. "We are not trying to be 
controversial, just applying common sense."

Cannabis dispensaries do operate in a grey area without permits from 
Health Canada, the mayor says, and most municipalities just turn a 
blind eye to their existence.

"We are trying to remove it from the grey area and bring it under 
municipal regulation.

"It's unclear what the implications are but change is driven by market.

"The picture is not someone smoking pot in a back room. These are 
derivatives produced to assist with long term illness. This isn't 
about pot but a medical solution for chronic pain."

McCormick points out that many people are prescribed powerful, 
addictive narcotics to manage illness and pain, and if there is an 
alternative it only makes sense to explore it.

McCormick said the Duggans presented a very clear business plan and 
have their own compelling personal reasons for wanting to open the store.

When they visited Council, Tamara Duggan said, ""Our vision is to add 
a viable, legitimate, and clinical business to Kimberley's economy. 
Our research indicates that the presence of medical marijuana 
dispensaries is a growth industry in Canada with BC being the leader. 
And it provides a vital enhancement to the government's Marijuana for 
Medical Purposes regulations."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom