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Owner of marijuana dispensaries makes case at Hamilton City Hall

Hamilton politicians are grappling with the issue of unlicensed medical marijuana operations.
Hamilton politicians are grappling with the issue of unlicensed medical marijuana operations. The Canadian Press

The owner of three illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in Hamilton has pleaded his case.

MMJ Canada’s Clint Younge, who believes they are operating within a “grey” area, is asking city councillors not to pass a motion that would urge a police crackdown of such dispensaries.

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He doesn’t think enforcement should be happening during decriminalization since laying down charges that the courts are not adjudicating on is a waste of “resources”, “time” and “money” and adds more “confusion.”

The province recently announced that sales of recreational marijuana will be restricted to LCBO-run stores when it is legalized, but Younge adds that they hope to carve out a craft-exemption within that framework, similar to wineries.

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Stoney Creek councillor Doug Conley is expected to present his motion for increased police enforcement during next week’s city council meeting.

His main concern is that some “illegal” dispensaries are operating within residential and retail areas, one of them next to a popular pizza restaurant in his ward.

Dundas councillor Arlene Vanderbeek adds that elected officials have to consider laws and regulations, as well as community concern and impact.

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