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Vancouver First Canadian City to Regulate Medical Marijuana Shops

The City of Vancouver approved regulated medical marijuana dispensaries on Wednesday, despite heavy criticism from the federal government.

Vancouver is the first city in Canada to pass a policy that regulates medical marijuana dispensaries, and under these new regulations, dispensaries are required to obtain a $30,000 licensing fee, as well as remain at least 300 metres from schools, community centres, or other marijuana-related businesses.

Over the past decade, the number of marijuana shops in the City of Vancouver has increased substantially, and the number of approved patients has grown from 100 to nearly 40,000.

As a result, the City of Vancouver implemented these new regulations by way of curbing such growth.

“The rapid growth of marijuana-related businesses over the last few years presents a significant problem for the city. Continuing to have a proliferation of unregulated businesses poses a significant risk to youth, public health, and general quality of life, as well as an impact on the local economy and health of our community,” reads the City of Vancouver Council Agenda. “If, however, they are carefully managed and regulated, these businesses can play a role in ameliorating health conditions that affect numerous people.”

The City of Vancouver also proposed a two-tier licensing system, which will reduce the business licence fee for non-profit medical marijuana facilities, such as BC Compassion Club, Healing Tree or the Green Cross Society of B.C. The proposed licensing fee for non-profit dispensaries is $1,000.

Federal Minister of Health Rona Ambrose said she was “deeply disappointed by the City of Vancouver’s decision to ‘regulate’ illegal marijuana storefronts.”

“Marijuana is neither an approved drug nor medicine in Canada and Health Canada does not endorse its use. […] These stores have absolutely no regard for the rule of law and have been caught selling marijuana to kids,” continued Ambrose. “Storefronts selling marijuana are illegal. […] We expect the police to enforce the law.”

In 2001, the federal government allowed possession and production of marijuana for medical purposes, provided that users have a doctor’s prescription and obtain the marijuana from an authorized source. Health Canada, a personal grower, or a designated grower were authorized as official sources for medical marijuana.

Sensible BC, a group advocating for the decriminalization of cannabis in British Columbia, is pushing for reform regarding marijuana laws and is asking for the implementation of more "sensible marijuana regulations" that "reflect common Canadian values."

“We really feel this is a step in the right direction,” said Dana Larsen, Founder and Director of Sensible BC. “This is a landmark policy that is the first of its kind in Canada, which will legitimize and protect medical cannabis dispensaries in Vancouver. We’re excited to be a part of this, and we hope that more municipalities will adopt similar policies across Canada.”



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