Sunshine Coast residents who prefer to consume their cannabis in edible form will have to do without the services of The S&M Medicinal Sweet Shoppe in Gibsons next month for a few days.
But owners Doug and Michelle Sikora are hoping some of their customers at their newly opened and licensed business might still come visit them at the Sechelt Provincial Court to show their support as the couple face trafficking charges stemming from a November 2015 undercover RCMP sting operation at their former home-based location in the neighbouring town of Sechelt.
“The S&M Medicinal Sweet Shoppe will be closed April 4th, 5th and 6th for the criminal charges laid against us last year,” they wrote on the shop’s Facebook page. “These are the scheduled court dates for trial, it may be longer. The courtroom is open to the public for whomever would like to show the Honorable Judge Merrick the amount of support and need the community has and requires.”
The couple were arrested after the officer bought 23 weed-infused candies and four infused teabags without a prescription, and Sunshine Coast RCMP seized an estimated $100,000 worth of product and related materials.
The upcoming court dates are the latest chapter of the couple’s lengthy legal battles over their business, which has seen police and prosecution in contempt of court for refusing to comply with court orders to return the couple’s property. The Sikoras were served with a summons for the trafficking charges last March while waiting to enter provincial court to challenge the Sunshine Coast RCMP seizure of the money and items taken during the raid.
If found guilty, the Sikoras could possibly face jail time, even though the federal Liberal government has promised to table legislation to legalize recreational cannabis use within the next three months.