While Canadians wait for the federal government to table legislation to legalize recreational cannabis use, a medicinal dispensary in Halifax, NS has joined the ranks of others across the country to waive the need for customers to bring a doctor’s prescription.
“I had to open my doors to anybody without a doctor’s permit because there’s no doctors giving anybody permits or signing for anybody,” Shirley Martineau, the owner of Auntie’s Health and Wellness, told CTV yesterday.
Martineau said she plans to sell cannabis products to any adults who want it at the Barrington Street storefront she opened four months ago.
“I can’t honestly say no to the cancer patients and to the people that are sick that leave here,” she said. “I can’t do it anymore.”
Canadians authorized to use medicinal marijuana are technically required to purchase it through a producer licensed by Health Canada. While the federal government is moving to legalize marijuana, selling it in a storefront is currently illegal, even if it’s for medicinal purposes. Last week in Montreal, police raided several newly opened Cannabis Culture storefronts selling recreational cannabis.
Halifax Regional Police said they aren’t actively pursuing people selling retail cannabis but are required to pursue any public complaints.
“Currently we’re adhering to the laws that are in place,” said Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Const. Dianne Penfound. “When those laws change, we’ll adhere to those laws.”