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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom