Cannabis Culture store plans to reopen today

The Cannabis Culture store in downtown Peterborough plans to reopen for business on Tuesday at 10 a.m. after closing following a city police raid earlier this month.

Marijuana advocate and Cannabis Culture stores chain founder Marc Emery said Monday afternoon that the store at 382 George St. N. will reopen Tuesday at 10 a.m. and resume its operating hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The store first opened Sept. 9, openly serving clients 19 and older with marijuana for medicinal and recreational use.

But city police say the operation is completely illegal and raided the shop Sept. 15, arresting owner Richard Standen, 62, of Wecker Drive, Oshawa, and employee Maranda Gallant, 21, of Brock Street.

Standen was charged with trafficking marijuana, possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime, while Gallant was charged with trafficking marijuana.

Both have been released from custody and are to appear in court next month.

Following the raid Emery staged a protest on Sept. 17 at the city police headquarters on Water Street and then visited the Peterborough franchise, vowing to reopen the store soon.

Emery could not be reached for comment Monday.

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in the 2015 federal election to legalize marijuana, the federal Liberals are not expected to introduce legislation until next spring. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has already proposed that Liquor Control Board of Ontario outlets be the venue for distribution in Ontario if marijuana is legalized.