Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2016
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.torontosun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Maryam Shah
Page: 6

PRO-POT FOLKS SMOKIN' MAD OVER CRACKDOWN

The crackdown on marijuana dispensaries has begun, but advocates of
the storefronts are fuming they haven't been given a chance to be
heard at City Hall.

On Thursday, several pro-pot people - some rooting for medical
marijuana patients, others for dispensary owners - were appalled when
the city's licensing committee deferred discussion on marijuana
dispensaries till the end of June.

"If they're not going to allow us to speak on the issue, then they
need to cease enforcement," said patient advocate Tracy Curley.

"The city should be halting any action that they're doing at this time
until the federal government at least responds," added Marko
Ivancicevic, member of the Cannabis Friendly Business Association. At
least 20 owners of properties where marijuana storefronts operate
within the city of Toronto were served with bylaw enforcement letters
on Wednesday. The letter essentially explains that the property is
breaking a zoning bylaw - an infraction that has a maximum potential
penalty of $50,000 for a corporation and $25,000 for an individual.
"They have three days to address the issue or they may be subject to
further enforcement," said Tracey Cook, executive director of
licensing and standards.

There are more than 75 dispensaries in the city, she
added.

"We had the public writing into us complaining about these in their
neighbourhoods, then the scale of it came to our attention and we
realized we just need to step on things and get going," Cook said.

The licensing committee has tasked her with reviewing the current
situation in Toronto and reporting back by June 27.

Mayor John Tory agreed that there should be provisions to sell pot
that are provided "under the law."

But the city never agreed to the wholesale retailing of weed on every
street corner.

"The proliferation goes beyond the law and common sense," Tory said,
adding it isn't his decision if bylaw infractions or warnings are issued.
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MAP posted-by: Matt