Pubdate: Fri, 13 Nov 2015
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Darrell Bellaart

RCMP WARN NANAIMO POT DISPENSARIES TO CLOSE OR FACE PROSECUTION

Nanaimo RCMP has started issuing warnings to marijuana retailers to
close their doors or face closure and possible prosecution.

Police officers issued letters to several cannabis dispensaries in
Nanaimo to shut their doors within seven days or risk arrest, seizures
and possible prosecution for cannabis trafficking.

"I am absolutely disgusted," said Brandy Cavanagh, manager of
Mid-Island Health and Wellness Association.

She said the society that operates the dispensary caters only to
patients who are licensed by Health Canada to use cannabis.

But dispensaries remain illegal in Canada, and Cavanagh said Health
Canada has left "no avenue" for patients to access it, other than by
mail, from licensed producers.

Health Canada issued a warning in late summer that dispensaries would
be closed. In September 13 cease-and-desist orders were issued across
Canada.

Not all Nanaimo dispensaries have received warnings.

"We have not received a cease-and-desist order," said Kaitlynn Hill,
manager of Weemedical.

'We have two locations, on Fitzwilliam (Street) and Norwell (Drive)
and neither one has received a cease-and-desist order."

Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Gary O'Brien said the detachment intends to
issue warnings to every dispensary.

"Nothing has changed, what we're simply doing is addressing the issue
that they are contravening federal law in Canada, by trafficking in
marijuana."

The letters contain wording warning operators to cease selling
cannabis and its derivatives or be subject to police enforcement,
"including the arrest of employees and patrons," property seizure, and
possible criminal prosecutions.

Dispensary operators and their supporters planned to meet Thursday
evening to discuss options to deal with the threat.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt