City police warn pot-shop properties may be seized
With some marijuana dispensaries still open in spite of repeated warnings, the Regina Police Service is now taking its campaign to the shops’ landlords.
About two weeks ago, police sent letters to property owners informing them that their pot-shop tenants are committing a criminal offence. Selling cannabis out of storefronts remains illegal.
According to police spokesperson Les Parker, the letters also conveyed that the properties “may be subject to forfeiture” if sales continue. He cited a provision of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act that allows courts to order the seizure of “offence-related property.”
Parker said police do not have an exact count of how many marijuana dispensaries remain open at this time. “The number fluctuates weekly,” he told the Leader-Post in an emailed response.
At least one dispensary owner plans to stay open despite the latest police tactic. Pat Warnecke, who operates Best Buds Society in Regina’s Warehouse District, said his landlord received a call from police, rather than a letter.
“They phoned him,” Warnecke said. “They said they could seize the property.”
The landlord was not immediately available for comment. Warnecke said the landlord has been “very supportive” and hasn’t yet asked Best Buds Society to cease operations.
But the letter did seem to create uncertainty for the dispensary, with the landlord reportedly unsure about how he’ll react.
“He said that obviously could change anytime,” Warnecke explained. “If they’re really getting on him, and threatening too much, well, he’d have to think about it.”
Warnecke is contemplating seeking an injunction to stay open, arguing that shutting down would put patients’ health is at risk. He has already sent a massive information package to city hall, prompting a response from Mayor Michael Fougere.
“I understand your passion for serving clients with medical needs,” the mayor wrote. “But City Council has no say or influence in the legalities surrounding cannabis.
“I encourage you to speak with Chief Evan Bray and his service members about those laws and their planned actions against dispensaries.”