Pubdate: Mon, 02 May 2016
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Matt Kieltyka
Page: 2

DISPENSARY CRACKDOWN BEGINS

Several shops have been fined as the city's deadline passes

The City of Vancouver followed through on its threat to punish
unlicenced marijuana dispensaries this weekend.

More than 100 refused dispensaries under the city's new regulatory
regime were told to close by Saturday or risk fines of $250 and
eventually possible court injunctions.

Marijuana advocate Jodie Emery - who coincidentally marked the opening
of a Cannabis Culture-branded dispensary on Beatty Street Friday -
told Metro some dispensaries have indeed closed shop or are looking at
new locations.

Others, she said, reported being visited by bylaw officers and issued
fines for remaining during the weekend.

"City bylaw officers were out in full force," said Emery. "I know of
four or five that were given tickets, and I'm sure there are more I
haven't heard of."

To date, only seven medicalmarijuana-related use (MMRU) businesses
have been granted permits by the city.

Thirteen others are under review. The rest had until April 29 to find
a new location or close.

Dozens more, including the Cannabis Culture dispensary, are appealing
at the Board of Variance, which has MMRU hearings scheduled well into
the fall.

The city has said the new framework, in lieu of legalization at the
federal level, gives it the ability to get a handle on a previously
unregulated industry that has grown exponentially in recent years.

The new regulations prevent shops from being located within 300 metres
of schools, community centres, youth facilities and other medical
marijuana shops.

Opposition Non-Partisan Association councillor Melissa De Genova has
called the crackdown a waste of time and resources, while marijuana
advocates and business owners have called the city's ramped-up
enforcement harsh.

"It's not justifiable," said Emery, citing polls showing strong public
support for the legalization of marijuana and for people being able to
access the drug.

In protest of the city's perceived "bias" against the marijuana
industry, this year's Global Cannabis March on Saturday will end at
Vancouver City Hall, she said.

"(City staff) won't be working that day but we're going to send a
message," she said.

A spokesperson for the City of Vancouver said it will announce Monday
how many tickets were handed out over the weekend.

- - with files from Neal Hall
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt