Medical marijuana dispensaries are opening across the city with an eye on a larger market in the near future.
A new shop is set to open this week in West Ottawa off Maitland Avenue on Laperriere Ave. near McBride St.
The bright green building on Laperriere is the new home of the Ottawa Cannabis Dispensary – and is a sign of changing times.
In Canada it is currently legal to sell medical marijuana to people who are licensed as long as it comes from a grower recognized by Health Canada and is sent to the patient in the mail.
The Federal Government has promised to legalize recreational marijuana and that has created gray area, where shops have already started selling medical marijuana over the counter to those with prescriptions.
Marilyn, who lives in the neighbourhood, says she was never consulted about the medical marijuana dispensary popping up a few feet from her home.
“I was surprised to see it a couple of days ago and I’m none too keen on it,” she said. “I have no idea what to expect, none at all, I had no notice it was coming and it just appeared so I guess we’ll see what happens like any other business, I guess.”
The business is located in a mixed area with both industrial buildings and residential homes nearby. Located across the street from the new dispensary is a school.
Given its location - the councillor for the area wants to see public consultations done.
“When local communities are taken by surprise they react to that so I hope that communication channel opens up and they have that meet,” sad councillor Riley Brockington.
The shop’s owner says he is open to those conversations.
“Our number one thing is to educate, regulate and medicate patients. We’re trying to offer affordable prices in Ottawa and follow regulations to keep the city happy,” said Deep Singh, the owner of the Ottawa Cannabis Dispensary.
Several medical marijuana dispensaries have opened across the city, including the latest one on Montreal Rd.
Ottawa Police say they are aware of all such businesses. In a statement officials with OPS said “current legislation is enforceable and public complains will be investigation by the Ottawa Police, as they arise.”
OPS officials said they could not comment further due to on-going investigations.
Other Canadian markets that are facing similar circumstances have set guidelines for dispensaries to follow. For example in Vancouver dispensaries must be 300 metres away from schools or community centres.
In Ottawa, CTV reached out to the city to see if similar regulations were planned. In a written statement Bylaw officials said “the city does not license this activity. The dispensing of medical marijuana is a federally regulated matter.” - Roger Chapman, Chief, Bylaw and regulatory Services, City of Ottawa
