Vernon pot shop challenging provincial laws by staying open

Oct 19, 2018 | 10:37 AM

VERNON, B.C. — A Vernon pot shop is challenging BC’s new cannabis laws by staying open.

Russ Stevenson, owner of Herb’s Healing Centre, says he’s selling all products including edibles, which are not allowed provincially.

“My lawyer has told me, if I close, I’m violating my patients’ rights, so at that, I’ve sort of got to take the risk and be here for my patients. They do need their medicine and there is basically no options for them, especially with Canada Post going on strike on Monday,” Stevenson tells Beach Radio News.

Stevenson was also open on Wednesday when he gave away about $6,000 worth of products to 200 of his existing customers, only charging them the provincial tax.

“People who were coming in who weren’t members were in tears because all the places they’ve been getting their medicine have closed, and I couldn’t take them on as new members at the moment.”

Stevenson says many of his clients are on disability and low income, so the event allowed them to stock up and try products they had never tried before.

“I think it was very successful.”

Given that no provincial licenses for selling cannabis have been issued, Stevenson expects he will get a visit from the City bylaws staff at some point.

“The stores have to be here for the medical people, and if I have to be out there a little bit to see where this goes, that is what I’m doing, and that’s what my lawyer has asked me to do.”