Dear Editor:
RE: Erin council reconsidering cannabis stores, June 24.
Can you say “overreach”? That’s exactly what struck me … It’s interesting how something so regulated, with so many hoops to go through prior to opening requires council to weigh-in, in addition to public opinion.
All of planning consultant Angela Sciberras’ list of “pros” are valid. Her list of “cons” – ie. additional smoking bylaws and enforcement, little control over the number of stores/locations and concerns of over clustering – I feel are not. That last one gave me a chuckle when I consider how many pizza joints are in Erin.
Next are councillor Michael Robins’ concerns over the “look and feel” of the stores. A simple trip to a store in Guelph would put Robins’ “visual concerns” to rest. We’re not talking a “bootleggers” look here, folks. All product is hidden and secured well within the confines of the store. Most stores have a person dedicated to “age-verification” and those who don’t meet the legal requirement are escorted out. In fact, most stores are quite upscale. And would build upon the cachet that the salivating, pro-WWTP developers are looking for in this “bucolic” little town.
Yeah, I’m sure the thought of a cannabis dispensary within this small rural town will draw up visions of Crockett and Tubbs busting a cartel or two a week, but the reality is it’s a strictly regulated product that also has medical benefits, in addition to recreational. That’s something the LCBO at the south end of town certainly can’t brag about….
I’d say to Robins and the rest of Erin council, look to the regulations of actually opening a weed shop in Ontario and then top it off with a field trip to a few local dispensaries and ask your questions to their managers. You just might be surprised at the answers.
Brett Davis,
Orton