West Kelowna’s new RCMP Detachment Commander clarified the RCMP’s position related to marijuana dispensaries for West Kelowna Council on Friday.
The statement indicated that marijuana continues to be regulated as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which the RCMP has an obligation to enforce.
“The RCMP is responsible for enforcing Canadian laws, as they stand today,” said the statement provided by Staff Sergeant Lesli Roseberry. “Our communities expect that we will take enforcement action to meet this responsibility, and do so in an impartial and professional manner.”
Roseberry indicated there’s no legal mechanism available in this country that allows for a self-described dispensary or “compassion club” to function.
Regardless of whether or not a vendor or individual has a license to possess marijuana. It’s illegal to sell marijuana to the public.
The RCMP supports efforts to ensure those permitted by the law have their required access to marijuana for medical purposes, but the current legislation doesn’t provide blanket legality to produce, use or traffic marijuana.
“Owners or employees of a medical marijuana dispensary may be charged with trafficking in a controlled substance should evidence exist to support the charge,” added Roseberry. “We support local businesses whose operations are conducted within the current scope of local, provincial and federal laws.”
City council will also consider giving first reading to a proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw to further regulate and provide clarity for commercial medical marijuana facilities in West Kelowna at its meeting on Tuesday, February 14th.
The draft bylaw and staff report is available for review at www.westkelownacity.ca/agendacenter.
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