By Clark Stork

Pot dispensary depot possible for Melfort

Jan 10, 2018 | 11:00 AM

Municipalities across Saskatchewan are continuing to discuss potential marijuana depots in their jurisdictions.

The city of Melfort is one of 40 eligible municipalities to allow a dispensary for the drug as announced by the provincial government on Jan. 8. Mayor Rick Lang said council likely won’t stand in the way of the opening of a business.

“It would be like saying no to smoking cigarettes, if it’s legal it’s legal,” Lang told northeastNOW. “It would be like saying no buying alcohol.”

Any centre with a population higher than 2,500 are eligible so the towns of Nipawin and Tisdale would also be included. Municipalities can opt out if they so choose. The sale of pot will be regulated by the SLGA. Retailers must have a standalone storefront plus can offer online services.

The topic of marijuana was on the agenda of Melfort’s protective services committee meeting Tuesday including the RCMP. Lang said the RCMP were still seeking answers from the province, but the police are optimistic plans will be in place before the drug is legal.

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

Power outages

Several communities affected by power outages

Apr 17, 2024

UFA coming to Melfort

UFA to build petroleum site along Highway 41 in Melfort

Apr 17, 2024

“They are fairly confident they can make it work once the RCMP receives the parameters and rules that are going to go along with the legal use,” Lang said.

High driving is the RCMP’s and Lang’s largest concern. The Melfort RCMP detachment has one officer who has taken extra training to identify drivers under the influence of drugs. Several organizations are currently running ad campaigns discouraging high driving stating penalties are equal to driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

Lang said council has not has any scheduled discussions on marijuana, but the members will have the topic on an upcoming agenda. Lang said council will not intercept any potential entrepreneurs seeking to open a depot. He said there is just answers needed prior to any future approval.

“At this point in time there is still a concern with abuse and enforcement and how it’s going to be regulated that way,” Lang said.

The applications will be handled province wide by the SLGA with assistance from a third-party. An in-depth screening process will be followed by a random lottery if several eligible applicants are approved for the allowed jurisdictions.

Clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork