Editor’s note: The Chief’s weekly editorial reflects the official opinion of the newspaper.
Thankfully, we have come a long way, especially in Squamish, since the days of “Reefer Madness.”
For the younger readers, Reefer Madness was a rather hilarious 1936 propaganda film in which, “hopeless insanity” was touted as a real risk of consuming marijuana.
These days, most in Squamish see cannabis consumption as a non-issue. The District of Squamish began regulating cannabis production in 2012 and dispensaries under an amended business licensing bylaw starting in 2016.
Our first medical marijuana dispensary was opened in 2015 by a former District councillor — Bryan Raiser.
At recent public information meetings and hearings about Raiser seeking a variance to operate his soon-to-be relocated cannabis dispensary, attendance was abysmal.
Clearly, cannabis isn’t a major concern for most locals.
But with legalization official this week, there is still a thick haze about the new world we are entering into, and locals involved in the industry report feeling extreme anxiety.
While more than 100 have applied to run legal, licensed retail outlets, only one provincial, BC Cannabis store has opened and it is in Kamloops.
Owners of Squamish marijuana dispensaries tell The Chief they aren’t quite sure what will happen in the interim between applying to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to be licensed and being officially legit.
Medical dispensaries are not permitted under the new regulations.
One thing for sure is at some point, there will be a crackdown on those not sanctioned by the state.
The B.C. government has established a Community Safety Unit that will target illegal retail operations, and seize the product and records without a warrant.
The owners The Chief spoke to all said they plan to stay open as usual and hope that there won’t be severe repercussions for doing so. They are concerned about the grey area they are in legally, and also concerned because as one owner put it, there are twice as many rules under legalization. At least when it was illegal, the shops knew what rules they were breaking.
An RCMP representative told The Chief, “the RCMP will continue to work with our local, provincial and national partners and enforce the laws accordingly.”
Whatever the coming weeks bring in Squamish, let’s hope things become clearer for cannabis consumers, as well as shop owners.
