Pubdate: Wed, 01 Feb 2017
Source: Salmon Arm Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Salmon Arm Observer
Contact:  http://www.saobserver.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1407
Author: Leah Blain

COUNCIL HEARS SUPPORT FOR MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

It wasn't a big crowd and not many people got up to speak, but of
those who did, the sentiments were similar - having a marijuana
dispensary is okay.

Coun. Ken Jamieson ran the Marijuana Retailers/Dispensaries public
input session Monday night at Salmon Arm council chambers.

"We're not voting on anything and we don't debate on the upcoming
legal changes, our focus tonight is to get input from organizations
and individuals who have an interest in the topic," said Jamieson.

He told the audience of more than 20 there had been some inquiries
from people who were interested in opening a dispensary but
"entrepreneurs are not beating down the doors at city hall."

Diana Altschul said this is going to be a "unique opportunity to
embrace" and suggested the city set up a task force that will "set a
standard." She said when a dispensary opens she hopes the staff are
"certified and knowledgable… and take the Hippocratic oath."

Jim Kimmerly said he just had a cautionary comment: "There might be
some sensitivity of surrounding businesses. I would not have wanted a
dispensary around my shop and I think a lot of corporations would be
the same."

Monica Kriese said she wasn't as concerned about location and
suggested a lot of education would have to be done.

"There is a lot of stigma with the word cannabis whether it's medical
or not."

John Henderson said the war on drugs has been a failure in the United
States and Canada and said he was in favour of legalizing marijuana.

"I don't want drugs controlled by the criminals. I hope council would
push to have all drugs legalized. Taking it out of control of the
criminals - people would know what they're getting and we wouldn't
have a fentanyl problem."

In response to questions from council concerning best practices in
other cities, Kevin Pearson, Director of Development Services, said
there wasn't really any comparison to make.

"Dispensaries are illegal under federal law. I wouldn't refer to
Vancouver or Nelson or Penticton as best practices, they jumped the
gun and issued business licenses because they were pressured to do
so."

Alonzo Anderberg said Salmon Arm was "missing the mark" compared to
places like Aurora, Alberta which is all ready to go when the federal
government gives the green light.

"Right now they have 33,000 thousand-gram bags ready, and an 80,000
square foot building for their next grow-op."

Keith Campbell also urged council to be proactive in this
"life-changing" event of legalization.

"I've been here for two years and I've been noticing a lot of stores
are closing downtown. Salmon Arm needs a stimulus for business and
this product will probably take off - from shampoo to cream. And as
for growing it, it's the same thing - it can employ people. The people
of Salmon Arm deserve this. I really do feel this is a life-changing
event. Hopefully Salmon Arm can be the leading edge in this."

Although all spoke in favour of allowing dispensaries, some people
raised concerns. Kory Van Os said he has two children and he wanted to
know what council could put in place for those who get addicted to
drugs.

Sylvia Lindgren became emotional as she spoke in favour.

"I hope we move forward. We need to legalize it to take the shame
factor out of it."

Councillors discussed various ways they could limit and control
dispensaries, such as higher business license fees and site-specific
zoning.

"Can we limit the number?" asked Coun. Alan Harrison.

"I'm a free-market person but in this case…"

"Where are people buying it now?" asked Coun. Chad Eliason. "They're
in your neighbourhood and your neighbourhood - it's everywhere. I have
a feeling all of our conversations may be moot because the federal
government may come out with regulations like they did with liquor
stores."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt