Pubdate: Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.mykawartha.com/peterborough-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Todd Vandonk

NEW STORE SELLS MARIJUANA IN DOWNTOWN STORE

Owner seems unworried about police

Your local marijuana dealer is now downtown.

Owner Richard Standen is selling bud to both recreational and medical
users out of his newly opened store, Cannabis Culture. The store
opened on George Street on Friday (Sept. 9). Standen says business has
been non-stop.

"We have had a wonderful reception," he explains.

Standen says the store is not a medical marijuana dispensary. He said
anyone over the age of majority can purchase their pot from the store.

"We should have the choice to go out and do what we want, whether it
is medically to take away pain or just recreationally partake in pot
instead of going out and drinking," he says.

Standen goes on to say this is part of the process of marijuana
becoming legal in Canada.

"You have the Prime Minister of Canada saying that on July 1, 2017
that marijuana will be recreationally allowed," says Standen.

He's says Canada is in a grey area when it comes to marijuana and
didn't want to wait until the magical day when it becomes legal.

"We are giving the ability to people that should be able to have it,"
he says.

He says his product doesn't come from government-licensed marijuana
facilities. "The supply comes from very good producers that have been
in business for decades," he says.

Standen didn't seem worried about Peterborough police raiding his
business and laying charges.

"I really think they have their own agenda to go by," he
says.

"The community doesn't seem to have a problem with what is going
on."

On Tuesday (Sept. 13), a steady flow of customers came in out of the
store. Male and female customers aged anywhere from 19 to 65 left with
their baggies full of marijuana.

Trent University student Chance says it's really exciting to see
Peterborough's culture progress and not have anyone picketing the
opening of the store.

"It's great to see people more accepting of this lifestyle, whether it
be for medical or recreational use," he says.

Another pot store had aimed to open on George Street last month, but
didn't go through with its plans.

Police were unavailable for comment before deadline.
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MAP posted-by: Matt