Victorias Mayor says the city plans to follow Vancouvers footsteps in clamping down hard on unregulated marijuana dispensaries.
The city handed out its first fine to Green Ceiling for allowing consumption on site last Friday.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps says dispensaries who dont comply can expect the city to knock on its doors until rules are followed.
We are going to press very hard. Because like Vancouver, we are taking a huge risk by creating a licensing regime, we expect that people comply. When the federal government makes new rules, then we can adjust our rules accordingly. But in the meantime we are going to be issuing fines.
Helps says the city will eventually consider filing injunctions to shut down dispensaries who dont get the go-ahead from the city.
If we dont issue fines repeatedly, it really is not fair to all those dispensary owners who are working so hard to meet the new rules.
Victorias marijuana bylaws came into effect at the end of September, and include fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.
The bylaws state dispensaries must be at least 200 meters from schools, have shorter operating hours, include a ban on advertising, and prevent on-site consumption.
Green Ceiling has not returned a request for comment.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Victoria Gearing Up For Pot Shop Crackdown
Author: Emily Lazatin
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