Why Canada’s cities aren’t cracking down on marijuana stores

The rush to open more storefronts appears to be accelerating ahead of the federal government’s pledge to introduce a legalization bill next spring
The Mail and Guardian (Canada)
Thursday, May 5, 2016

canada-dispensary-torontoCanada’s municipalities are in a tough position when it comes to pot. Faced with a previous federal government that had no interest in legalizing marijuana or modifying its obtuse mail-order medical-marijuana program, Toronto and Vancouver have swiftly become home to more than 250 dispensaries that operate outside the law, with more than 100 now open in Ontario’s capital. Cities facing pressure from citizens to crack down on the flourishing businesses are discovering they may lack the legal authority to do so. (Editorial: Yes to marijuana legalization. No to the pre-legalization free-for-all)