Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
An Edmonton man is eyeing new municipal rules for medicinal marijuana in Vancouver as he feels they could eventually spread to Edmonton and help him open a dispensary without breaking laws.
Earlier this month, Vancouver city council's passed regulations and zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries, the first in a major Canadian city. Many pot advocates feel Vancouver's rules are the first step toward further legalization for medical marijuana, and could spread across Canada, despite the ongoing resistance by the federal government.
The man, who asked his name not be used, is the president of Edmonton's Mobile Access Compassionate Resources Organization Society (MACROS), and said the group is now a member of the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD), which has advocated for Vancouver's changes.
"The Vancouver model is a stepping stone in my opinion," he said. "I was very happy there will be some sort of regulations that we can follow in order so that law enforcement doesn't have to come here."
He said MACROS joined the dispensary association, because eventually when laws allow they would like to open a dispensary in Edmonton.
"We want to focus on medicinal and by going with CAMCD we get the best structure that is put together by the industry itself," he said.
The director of CAMCD, Dana Larsen, said his organization provided some suggestions for the Vancouver model and he believes it will spread across the country.
"I think it's a possibility absolutely and other cities are probably going to follow Vancouver's model in some ways," he said.
Larsen said he knows the federal government will push back against marijuana dispensaries, but he hopes for a change in government this fall.
He said even if the Conservatives are re-elected dispensaries will come.
"Even then dispensaries are still coming and if we see a change in government it will happen all the faster," he said.
He said the association formed to bring standards to the industry and make sure it is regulated, safe and doesn't sell to children.
"That's really how you become a member you confirm and you prove that you are following these guidelines."
City spokesperson Shani Gwin said they have received one application for a licensed grower, but no applications for dispensaries. She said they have no plans to bring in zoning rules for marijuana dispensaries, because they aren't permitted under federal law.
"Right now we follow federal regulations."
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Edmonton advocates looks to Vancouver medical marijuana rules | Metro
Author: Ryan Tumilty
Contact: Contact | Metro
Photo Credit: Emily Jackson/Metro
Website: Metro News | Latest news from Canada's most read national daily newspaper | News Worth Sharing
Earlier this month, Vancouver city council's passed regulations and zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries, the first in a major Canadian city. Many pot advocates feel Vancouver's rules are the first step toward further legalization for medical marijuana, and could spread across Canada, despite the ongoing resistance by the federal government.
The man, who asked his name not be used, is the president of Edmonton's Mobile Access Compassionate Resources Organization Society (MACROS), and said the group is now a member of the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries (CAMCD), which has advocated for Vancouver's changes.
"The Vancouver model is a stepping stone in my opinion," he said. "I was very happy there will be some sort of regulations that we can follow in order so that law enforcement doesn't have to come here."
He said MACROS joined the dispensary association, because eventually when laws allow they would like to open a dispensary in Edmonton.
"We want to focus on medicinal and by going with CAMCD we get the best structure that is put together by the industry itself," he said.
The director of CAMCD, Dana Larsen, said his organization provided some suggestions for the Vancouver model and he believes it will spread across the country.
"I think it's a possibility absolutely and other cities are probably going to follow Vancouver's model in some ways," he said.
Larsen said he knows the federal government will push back against marijuana dispensaries, but he hopes for a change in government this fall.
He said even if the Conservatives are re-elected dispensaries will come.
"Even then dispensaries are still coming and if we see a change in government it will happen all the faster," he said.
He said the association formed to bring standards to the industry and make sure it is regulated, safe and doesn't sell to children.
"That's really how you become a member you confirm and you prove that you are following these guidelines."
City spokesperson Shani Gwin said they have received one application for a licensed grower, but no applications for dispensaries. She said they have no plans to bring in zoning rules for marijuana dispensaries, because they aren't permitted under federal law.
"Right now we follow federal regulations."
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Edmonton advocates looks to Vancouver medical marijuana rules | Metro
Author: Ryan Tumilty
Contact: Contact | Metro
Photo Credit: Emily Jackson/Metro
Website: Metro News | Latest news from Canada's most read national daily newspaper | News Worth Sharing
