Pubdate: Sat, 26 Nov 2016 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc. Contact: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Author: Jacquie Miller Page: A3 4 OF 7 ILLEGAL POT SHOPS RAIDED BY POLICE ARE OPEN AGAIN The WeeMedical dispensary on Rideau Street has joined a string of pot shops that have reopened after being closed by police raids. Four of the seven illegal marijuana stores that were raided by police three weeks ago are now back in business. All the seven raided stores are operated by a B.C-based outfit under the names Green Tree, WeeMedical and CannaGreen. Ottawa police had said they hoped the raids would serve as a warning to other illegal dispensaries in town. The Green Tree shops on Preston Street and Montreal Road, and the WeeMedical on St. Laurent all reopened in the last week, although stock was initially limited to a few jars of dried weed. The WeeMedical on Rideau Street had the "open" sign lit up Friday, and was stocked with bud as well as cookies, candy, Rice Krispie squares, soda and hash. Staff asked a reporter to leave the shop, but customers outside on the sidewalk were happy to chat. One man, 27, said it was his first visit to the store. He said a clerk asked for his ID, and he signed his name and address on a form in order to receive a "membership card" allowing him to purchase the merchandise. The man said he supports the sale of cannabis in stores. "It's better than alcohol. Alcohol kills people." Sales should be restricted to people over age 25, he added. "Anyone younger really shouldn't be doing it, it will mess them up mentally and psychologically." The man said he assumed the government had given approval for the store to reopen, and was surprised to learn it's still operating illegally. "It's just weird. Why would it be open again, then?" Another couple of dispensaries have opened in the past month or so: Life Line Medicinals on Rideau Street and TopSpot on Bank Street. There are about 11 dispensaries operating in Ottawa. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt