Marijuana dispensaries raided in several B.C. communities

Dec 3, 2015 | 9:42 AM

► Nanaimo RCMP have raided three marijuana dispensaries.

Search warrants were carried out at Phoenix Pain Management on Wallace Street, Trees on Bowen Road and Nature’s Source Society on Front Street.

Nanaimo Cannabis Coalition spokesman Matt O’Donnell says several people were arrested Tuesday morning, including a 60 year old woman and 67 year old man who volunteer at Phoenix Pain Management.

O’Donnell says despite this development, dispensaries in Nanaimo plan to continue serving clients.

He says they want regulation, they want to be taxed, they want to know where all three levels of government stand on this issue so they can have direction and proceed accordingly, but it doesn’t help when the Nanaimo RCMP comes along and arrests medicinal cannabis patients, it’s not right and it’s contradictory to the last federal election.

A few weeks ago, Nanaimo Mounties issued warning letters to the 10 dispensaries operating in Nanaimo, telling them to stop selling pot illegally within seven days or face possible charges.

Police say two dispensaries closed on their own.
 

► Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP aren’t saying much about visiting local marijuana dispensaries.

One business told Kiss FM, it was told it may have to shut down because it was operating illegally and does not comply with Health Canada regulations.

RCMP  responded in a news release this afternoon, confirming five shops in the Greater Vernon area were visited last week.

Police say it’s a pro-active approach to ensure the businesses have a clear understanding of the current laws surrounding marijuana and the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

Superintendent Jim McNamara says in the release ” Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP are committed to working with our communities, partners and stakeholders to ensure the safety of the general public and compliance with the laws of Canada. These matters are being actively investigated.”

Asked to speak further with Kiss FM news,the RCMP declined further comment.