Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jul 2016 Source: Penticton Herald (CN BC) Page: A1 Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.pentictonherald.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/664 Author: Tiffany Goodwein ACTIVIST TRYING TO RESTART IN OLIVER Osoyoos Is Moving Towards Outright Ban on Dispensaries Medical marijuana activist Grant Bruce appeared before Oliver town council on Monday seeking a second chance. After the Town of Osoyoos in June shut down the Starbuds marijuana dispensary he operated there, he's now hoping to find a friendlier environment for such an operation in Oliver. Bruce, who uses marijuana to treat his epilepsy, distanced himself from Starbuds, which he said "lied to and misled" managers such as himself about the supposed medical professionals who were clearing customers to purchase cannabis. "We found out that the doctors are not doctors and that they have no medical experience whatsoever," said Bruce. Starbuds did not return a call for comment Tuesday. Bruce has proposed a new venture of his own, tentatively called the South Okanagan Medical Access Center. The new business would have stricter guidelines for clients that would rely on the confirmation diagnosis principle before anyone is able to obtain marijuana. Bruce also suggested the town impose regulations on marijuana dispensaries so companies do not just simply set up shop without following rules or understanding the medical marijuana industry once legalization does occur. Bruce said he believes dispensaries such as his will spare clients from having to go to the black market for their medicine. Council referred the matter to staff to investigate how other communities are dealing with medical marijuana shops to help it get ahead of the issue. Meanwhile, Osoyoos council is moving closer to establishing a bylaw to ban medical marijuana dispensaries outright within town limits. Following a public hearing this month, council is expected to debate the bylaw at a special meeting Aug. 9. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom