Item - 2016.LS11.7

The Licensing and Standards Committee deferred consideration of the item until June 27, 2016 and requested the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief of the Toronto Police Service, to report at that time on a regulatory framework for marijuana dispensaries, such report to include:

1.  A review of the current operations of marijuana dispensaries in the City of Toronto.

2.  A review of regulations in other jurisdictions including Vancouver, which have introduced measures to address concerns regarding marijuana dispensaries.

3.  Recommendations to address concerns, including the feasibility of licensing marijuana dispensaries and other regulatory mechanisms to regulate the proximity of these establishments to schools and other educational facilities, childcare and other sensitive uses.

Over the past few months, residents and businesses in different parts of Toronto have raised concerns about the rising number of marijuana dispensaries opening in their neighbourhoods. The speed with which these storefronts are proliferating, and the concentration of dispensaries in some areas of our city, is alarming.

We respect the federal government's decision to legalize possession of marijuana for non-medical purposes. Going forward, the city has a responsibility to ensure this emerging industry operates responsibly, without a negative impact on the health and safety of our residents and neighbourhoods.

Left unaddressed, the number of these dispensaries will only increase. This proliferation brings with it potential health risks for individuals who patronize dispensaries where the substance for sale is completely unregulated. It also affects surrounding businesses and communities, who have valid concerns that must be addressed – in particular, concerns about access by minors.

I request the Committee direct a review of the current operations of marijuana dispensaries in the City of Toronto, and ask staff to recommend steps to address concerns, including the feasibility of licensing marijuana dispensaries and other regulatory mechanisms to regulate the proximity of these establishments to schools, childcare and other sensitive uses. I would also ask that you request a review of regulations in other jurisdictions, including Vancouver, which have introduced measures such as licensing fees for dispensaries and regulations controlling their proximity to schools, community centres and other dispensaries.