The owner of three illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in Hamilton has pleaded his case.
READ MORE: Majority of charges laid in Canada’s largest marijuana dispensary raid will not go to trial
MMJ Canada’s Clint Younge, who believes they are operating within a “grey” area, is asking city councillors not to pass a motion that would urge a police crackdown of such dispensaries.
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He doesn’t think enforcement should be happening during decriminalization since laying down charges that the courts are not adjudicating on is a waste of “resources”, “time” and “money” and adds more “confusion.”
The province recently announced that sales of recreational marijuana will be restricted to LCBO-run stores when it is legalized, but Younge adds that they hope to carve out a craft-exemption within that framework, similar to wineries.
Stoney Creek councillor Doug Conley is expected to present his motion for increased police enforcement during next week’s city council meeting.
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His main concern is that some “illegal” dispensaries are operating within residential and retail areas, one of them next to a popular pizza restaurant in his ward.
Dundas councillor Arlene Vanderbeek adds that elected officials have to consider laws and regulations, as well as community concern and impact.
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