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Should Sault Ste. Marie ban retail cannabis stores?

Issue is on the agenda for Monday's City Council meeting
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With just six weeks to reach a decision, two city councillors will try Monday to begin a process that could lead to retail cannabis stores being outlawed within the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

The following resolution has been placed on the agenda of Monday's City Council meeting by rookie Ward 5 councillor Corey Gardi and Ward 1's Sandra Hollingsworth.

Monday's City Council will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.

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Regulation of cannabis

Mover: Councillor C. Gardi
Seconder: Councillor S. Hollingsworth

Whereas the federal government has legalized marijuana use as of October 17, 2018; and

Whereas the Province of Ontario is regulating cannabis use through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; and

Whereas the Province of Ontario has reserved the exclusive right to sell cannabis online but is permitting the private sector to operate retail stores and has passed regulations governing the operation of those private-sector retail stores; and

Whereas municipalities have a one-time opportunity to opt out of having private-sector retail stores open in the municipality and have to make a decision in that respect by January 22, 2019; and

Whereas this council needs to have a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory framework in order to make an informed decision on whether to opt out;

Now therefore be it resolved that city staff return a report to council that includes, amongst any other information staff believe is relevant, the following:

  • confirmation of how many private retail stores may be permitted to open in Sault Ste. Marie if the municipality does not opt out
  • confirmation of where the private retail stores may locate in Sault Ste. Marie if the municipality does not opt out
  • confirmation of what type of authority, if any, the municipality has to regulate cannabis consumption in public areas of the municipality

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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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