Some regional mayors say they’re watching closely after Vancouver approves medical marijuana regulations
Posted June 25, 2015 12:10 am.
Last Updated June 25, 2015 6:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With Vancouver bringing in pot shop regulations, could we see other cities follow suit? Are other municipalities going to consider licensing medical marijuana dispensaries?
City staff in Richmond is currently investigating the merits of medical marijuana licensing. Mayor Malcolm Brodie says there are no pot shops in his city but are taking a more proactive approach.
“Maybe today it’s not an issue and tomorrow it could, so we are following to see whether any of these dispensaries get set up in our city and then we have to take steps to deal with them. At this point we don’t seem to have the issue in our community but we are following it very closely.”
North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto says his city is also monitoring things closely but will leave enforcement with the RCMP for now.
“You know in the past, council has expressed support for decriminalization for sure, and so we’re watching to see what happens and if any of these outlets actually start selling marijuana in our community.”
New Westminster councillor Chuck Puchmayr notes his city has no plans, as he says “it’s not a legal business and therefore we will not license it.”
Vancouver’s bylaws impose a $30,000 licensing fee, requires stores to be located 300 meters from schools and each other and it bans shops from certain areas.
