With the Government of Canada’s vow to support legalization on the horizon, some entrepreneurs are hoping that business opportunities may gain traction in the Columbia Valley.
The Village of Radium Hot Springs accepted information at the regular February 18th council meeting from Megan and Sarah Karchuk’s delegation regarding the possibility of obtaining a business licence to open up a medical marijuana dispensary.
“We would like to discuss opening a medical marijuana dispensary,” the pair’s letter to council read. “The transparent sale of our products for medical consumption will continue to increase as the population ages… and as the medical community continues to explore and approve an alternative holistic choice to pharmaceuticals. As the prospect of legalization quickly approaches, we want to have an established and respected business that regulates clientele and promotes a safe, high quality product.”
The pair hopes to use the template of Tamarack Dispensaries in Kimberley to build a business in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.
“Along with certification from the CAMCD (Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries), a referral from a medical practitioner and proof of laboratory testing, we will have 24-hour surveillance and a wheelchair accessible building so that we can cater to all patients who are having difficulty with the current MMPR (Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations) system,” she said, while noting a renovation located at the building of 4884 St. Mary’s Street could offer privacy and easy accessibility.
The duo believes a dispensary could increase revenue for the businesses in Radium when patients from the surrounding areas visit the municipality to pick up medicinal marijuana.
“We will give our members the security and comfort to educate themselves about available medication in a clean facility as an alternative to the black market, therefore diminishing the strength of organized crime, protecting our youth and offering a safer, more controlled product.”
Council accepted the information from the Karchuks and plans to collect information about the community’s legal responsibilities.
“It wasn’t a request for a business licence, so much as it was an informational meeting,” explained Coun. Tyler MacCauley by phone on February 26th.
“We’re waiting for a legal opinion on the whole thing, so it really depends what comes back in the form of a legal opinion. We don’t want to put the town in jeopardy. We want to do it right.”