Marijuana production still a concern

As the federal government's new medical marijuana production system gears up, police in Sudbury are still concerned they have no official role or right to be consulted as companies go through the approvals process to open a pot facility.

Deputy Chief Al Lekun said a website has been created where police can confirm if someone has been issued a licence in Sudbury. While none have yet been issued, there have been four applications submitted so far. While this is a federal initiative, meaning the RCMP would be the lead policing agency, any applicant has to go through city planning before being granted a permit to open.

Lekun said they have been lobbying to be officially notified should a licence be granted, since it has major implications for local police.

“That would be a key location for us to be mindful of,” he said. “Right now there have been no licence issued, sso there's no cause for concern.”

While they have no official right to be consulted, Lekun said they have strong relationships both with city planners and the local RCMP, and is confident police will be kept abreast of any developments.

“It really is about collaboration with our partners,” he said.

Board chair Gerry Lougheed Jr. said the broader concern is with some political parties calling for decriminalization of pot, production facilities would likely become more common and grow to serve a new market.

“If it's medical marijuana, there's a history to that,” Lougheed said. “If the regime in Ottawa changes, and it's recreational marijuana, it will open the floodgates.”

So it's important to lobby now for a role for local police, who will have to deal with the impact of changes to Canada's marijuana laws.