By Spencer Sterritt

Where does the City of Nanaimo stand on marijuana dispensaries?

Feb 21, 2017 | 8:50 AM

NANAIMO — The legalization of marijuana has been a contentious and complicated issue, especially surrounding who has the power to regulate dispensaries.

Nanaimo City Council requested a staff report about recommendations of how to proceed. Currently one operation in town, Tilray, is legally allowed to operate under federal regulation since their product is mailed out. Store front dispensaries are illegal and haven’t been given licenses.

Dale Lindsay, director of community development, is involved with the staff report. He said there are three options they’re looking at presenting to council.

“One is enforcing the existing bylaws, second (is) taking a more passive approach and waiting to see exactly what’s going to come down from the federal government…and the final option is to look at, in the absence of clear direction from the federal government, make some interim regulations.”

Lindsay said presenting the report to council isn’t scheduled yet but they expect it will be by the end of April.

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Recently, a store front called Leaf Labs was raided by RCMP after complaints from users of the neighbouring daycare.

Lindsay said the City’s response against shops is dictated by the location of the dispensary and what they hear from the community.

Previously, city councillors expressed a desire to get out in front of the legalization issue to be prepared for incoming legislation.

Spencer.sterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit