RCMP say ‘possible actions’ may be taken against Vernon marijuana dispensaries

VERNON – Police are confirming they visited five marijuana dispensaries in Vernon and say further action could be taken in the future.

Officers visited the dispensaries to ‘outline our concerns and the potential ramifications related to business practices which do not comply with the current Controlled Drugs and Substances Act’, Const. Jocelyn Noseworthy says in a statement released by the detachment. 

“We recognize the current complexities of ongoing court cases and political discussions surrounding the potential for future legislative changes, however the RCMP is tasked with enforcing the laws of Canada as they exist today,” Noseworthy says in the release.

Local dispensaries spoke out about the police warning yesterday, Dec. 1.

The RCMP recently raided dispensaries in Nanaimo and Sechelt, however Noseworthy says the Vernon detachment cannot speak to enforcement action in other jurisdictions.

The Vernon dispensaries were notified of the current medical marijuana access regulations and that ‘possible actions may be taken by the Vernon/ North Okanagan RCMP in the future.’ No specific deadline has been given to dispensary operators, Noseworthy says.

RCMP Supt. Jim McNamara says the detachment continues to work with communities, partners and stakeholders to ensure the safety of the general public and compliance with the law.

“These matters are being actively investigated, and the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP will not be commenting further on this issue,” McNamara says.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.