Langford Mayor Stew Young says a cannabis shop that keeps opening its doors despite being told numerous times it's against the law -- will have a much tougher time obtaining a business license if and when laws governing the operation of marijuana shops is handed down by the federal government.
Until then Young says cannabis shops remain illegal, and therefore unwelcome in Langford where there is a federal police force upholding the laws.
RCMP closed the Green Tree dispensary down again yesterday for the third since mid-January. A staff member was also arrested.
Young says there are potential cannabis shop owners seeking advice from the city on how to do things properly, and suggests the Green Tree Dispensary is not positioning itself well to be considered for licensing once laws change:
" I think these people are going to have a bit of a problem when I've got bylaw enforcement and police action against them. They're going to be at the bottom of the queue. And I've got legitimate businesses that are waiting to apply and understanding Langford's reasoning for doing this. And we'll help them get their licenses when it becomes law and the regulations are there for us."
Young says the city's bylaws allow for distribution of medical marijuana at pharmacies -- but not at unregulated store fronts, which he says has upset neighbours.