Pubdate: Fri, 18 Dec 2015
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Tereza Verenca
Page: 14

DISPENSARIES BEST OPTION FOR POT SUPPLY

Dispensaries, not liquor stores, are the best outlets to sell 
recreational pot, according to the Canadian Association of Medical 
Cannabis Dispensaries.

The statement comes shortly after B.C.'s and Ontario's public service 
unions called for legalized marijuana to be sold in liquor stores. 
Vancouver's Jamie Shaw, president of the CAMCD, said having the two 
substances under the same roof could be dangerous.

"A lot of people are using cannabis to get off of alcohol, so that 
isn't a very good message to send. There have been studies that 
confirm alcohol and cannabis together heighten the effects of both," she said.

Shaw said it makes sense to use the existing medical marijuana system 
and not have to "reinvent the wheel."

"Dispensaries have 20 years of expertise in providing safe and 
dignified access to medical cannabis," the statement reads.

Shaw used the U.S. as an example, specifically Colorado's 
legalization, which was built on the pre-existing dispensary model. 
The dispensaries within the Canadian association, she noted, are 
already licensed and regulated to address public health and safety 
concerns. To ensure pot gets into the hands of those who really need 
it, Shaw said a thorough, three year certification process is in 
place for prospective members and that CAMCD adheres to strict 
identification checks.

"Dispensaries don't only check IDs, we check the doctor's paperwork, 
and we verify that they sent that paper for it," she explained.

The federal government is currently consulting with provinces and 
municipalities on how to best move forward. A timeline has yet to be released.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom