Dear editor,
On March 27 Cumberland Council will vote on four applications for “Medical Marijuana Dispensary” temporary use permits.
Of those completing a survey last summer about granting these permits, over 75 per cent were supportive. I was one of 157 respondents who believed this to be a forward-thinking move to be prepared for anticipated federal legislation allowing the convenience of local legal, regulated storefront sales of a variety of cannabis products to eligible patients. Staff reports at previous council meetings clearly referred to medical retail sales.
It was only on reading the application packages that two facts came to light for me:
1) “Medical Marijuana Dispensary” is simply a name for storefront sales of cannabis products and accessories, unrelated to the dictionary definitions of either “medical”or “dispensary.”
2) Council plans to grant permits in violation of existing laws, simply acknowledging that the business is currently illegal and that the RCMP may decide to take action.
I am appalled by this cavalier attitude and lack of respect for the law and law enforcement by our elected officials. I am disappointed that council would be a party to deception as to the actual intent of the permits in order to garner community support.
I am in favour of legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use, but cannot support granting temporary use permits until the appropriate legislation is enacted. This haste to “get ahead of the curve” could backfire for the Village, the businesses involved and innocent patients. Recent police raids in other jurisdictions not only closed down shops but resulted in arrests of shop owners, employees and customers. People should be able to assume that any business permitted and licensed by the Village is legitimate.
Grace Doherty,
Cumberland