Vancouver proposes tough new rules for marijuana shops (Video)

The vast majority of Vancouver’s plethora of new pot shops would have to move under new proposed city regulations, says a Vancouver city councillor.

A staff report to be presented to council next week says the number of pot related business in the city are growing exponentially.

There are now 80, up from 60 just a few months ago, all operating without licenses.

The report stated that though the city has no authority to regulate the sale of pot it does have jurisdiction over the running of businesses and where they are located.

If passed, the new regualtions would keep pot related businesses 300 meters from schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses and other pot businesses.

Applicants will have to go throught through a three stage review process and if successful pay a 30-thousand dollar licensing fee.

Dori Dempster, with Medical Cannabis Dispensaries, says the fact the city is looking at licensing their industry is another step in gaining legitimacy.

“This is one of the things that we’ve been doing in self regulating is hoping that there comes a day where everybody says this is a reasonable busienss provinding an essential service to sick people in our city.”

Lawyer Kirk Tousaw, who represents a number of BC dispensaries, says many businesses have been waiting for this step and hope to work with the city on the fine details.

Next week City Council will look at proposed regulations that include a review process, licensing fee and limitations on locations.

Agencies/Canadajournal

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