Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Toronto - Dozens of medical marijuana advocates finally had a chance to weigh in on Toronto's pot dispensary regulations at an open forum at City Hall on Monday.
Councillor Jim Karygiannis held the meeting to allow people the opportunity to express their concerns and propose ways to create regulations after being denied a chance to do so in June.
"We just want to hear from the folks first-hand what they're experiencing," he said.
However, Karygiannis was the only councillor to show up, despite his invites to colleagues.
"The problem is it's a one-way conversation at this stage of the game," Kostantino Beltsis, president at Patience First, said of the turnout. "I would welcome the opportunity for a larger group to sit around - together - and actually have pro-active discussion."
Attendees including the Toronto Dispensaries Coalitions (TDC) brought up various options for creating rules in the city.
The TDC is recommending the city not allow anyone under 19 into shops, that they be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and not be located within 100 metres of each other or schools.
They also recommend a $10,000 licensing fee and a $2,000 annual renewal fee with funds that will go to various drug prevention programs.
Michael McLellan, a volunteer representative at the TDC, said the recommendations are perfect.
"These rules - and rules like them - if implemented are the best way to serve the needs of patients in Toronto," he said. "It keeps cannabis out of the hands of minors, extinguishes the black market, and staves off expensive and inappropriate enforcement actions."
Ian Dawkins, executive director of Cannabis Growers of Canada, said the city should be talking with the medical marijuana industry when it comes to creating regulations.
"There is product floating around right now that is untested and unsafe because of the illicit nature of the black market," he said. "That's something we can take care of overnight."
On June 27, the Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee deferred a discussion on the issue of medical marijuana dispensaries in order to wait until Aug. 24 when the federal government is set to introduce new rules on access to medical marijuana.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Advocates Have Their Say
Author: Aaron D'Andrea
Contact: 416-947-2222
Photo Credit: Dave Thomas
Website: Toronto Sun
Councillor Jim Karygiannis held the meeting to allow people the opportunity to express their concerns and propose ways to create regulations after being denied a chance to do so in June.
"We just want to hear from the folks first-hand what they're experiencing," he said.
However, Karygiannis was the only councillor to show up, despite his invites to colleagues.
"The problem is it's a one-way conversation at this stage of the game," Kostantino Beltsis, president at Patience First, said of the turnout. "I would welcome the opportunity for a larger group to sit around - together - and actually have pro-active discussion."
Attendees including the Toronto Dispensaries Coalitions (TDC) brought up various options for creating rules in the city.
The TDC is recommending the city not allow anyone under 19 into shops, that they be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and not be located within 100 metres of each other or schools.
They also recommend a $10,000 licensing fee and a $2,000 annual renewal fee with funds that will go to various drug prevention programs.
Michael McLellan, a volunteer representative at the TDC, said the recommendations are perfect.
"These rules - and rules like them - if implemented are the best way to serve the needs of patients in Toronto," he said. "It keeps cannabis out of the hands of minors, extinguishes the black market, and staves off expensive and inappropriate enforcement actions."
Ian Dawkins, executive director of Cannabis Growers of Canada, said the city should be talking with the medical marijuana industry when it comes to creating regulations.
"There is product floating around right now that is untested and unsafe because of the illicit nature of the black market," he said. "That's something we can take care of overnight."
On June 27, the Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee deferred a discussion on the issue of medical marijuana dispensaries in order to wait until Aug. 24 when the federal government is set to introduce new rules on access to medical marijuana.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Advocates Have Their Say
Author: Aaron D'Andrea
Contact: 416-947-2222
Photo Credit: Dave Thomas
Website: Toronto Sun
