Pubdate: Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.timescolonist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Kate DeRosa
Page: A4

RCMP AGAIN SWOOP IN ON LANGFORD POT SHOP

City files injunction to block dispensary that was first shut the day
after opening

West Shore RCMP have once again moved to shut down Langford's first
and only pot shop, arresting two people and seizing marijuana on Wednesday.

Mounties executed a search warrant at Green Tree Medical Dispensary at
108-688 Granderson Rd.

"The storefront had illegally reopened its doors over the weekend
contrary to municipal and federal regulations," said West Shore RCMP
spokesman Const. Alex Berube.

No charges have been laid and Berube said the investigation is
ongoing.

The City of Langford has also filed a civil injunction to shut down
the dispensary.

If the business contests the injunction, the matter could end up
before the courts.

If the court finds the business is in breach of Langford's bylaws, it
will make an order to cease and desist operations.

West Shore RCMP tried to enter the store on Saturday, according to
employee Harley Thompson, but he locked the doors and asked if
officers had a warrant.

The officers said they would be back with one.

Thompson said on Monday the store planned to keep minimum product on
site in the event the police returned.

The store was first shut down on Jan. 17, the day after it opened.
Marijuana was seized but no charges were laid.

West Shore RCMP repeated their stance that there is no legal mechanism
in Canada that allows for medicinal marijuana dispensaries or
compassion clubs to sell marijuana to the public, regardless of
whether the purchasing individuals have licences to possess marijuana
or whether the vendor has a licence to produce it. Any businesses or
individuals that contravene the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
and Health Canada regulations could face investigation and criminal
charges.

On Monday, Nanaimo RCMP shut down a cannabis dispensary that was
located next to a daycare.

A 24-year-old man was arrested and marijuana was seized after the raid
at Lead Labs, which opened Friday at 679 Terminal Ave., next to Kids
Kompany day care.
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MAP posted-by: Matt