Mayor wants LCBO to sell pot
Doug Ford has mused about giving ‘free market’ a role in recreational sales
Mayor John Tory plans to tell Doug Ford, Ontario’s next premier, that Toronto wants marijuana sold in LCBO-style government-run shops.
Tory backed outgoing Premier Kathleen Wynne’s plan to keep the door closed to privately run shops and dispensaries, and his opinion hasn’t changed now that Ford, who has mused about letting the “free market” sell recreational pot, is set to lead Ontario, Tory spokesperson Don Peat said Friday.
“He’s comfortable with the choice made” to sell pot through LCBO-run Ontario Cannabis Stores (OCS) and an online portal, with stiff fines for people who sell weed illegally, Peat said.
“Mayor Tory is delighted the Premierdesignate wants to consult with cities about the province’s marijuana plans and he looks forward to that discussion,” he added. “There is no question there will be issues around the legalization of marijuana and municipalities will be on the front line of dealing with many of those issues.
“The mayor supports legalization but has always said that support is conditional on three things: neighbourhood and family safety — especially kids — must be protected, public health must not be compromised, and Toronto cannot be burdened with the additional costs created by these changes.
“He will continue to advocate for these three conditions as we move toward Oct. 17,” when recreational pot officially becomes legal across Canada.
Wynne’s plan called for the opening of 40 “OCS” shops, eventually growing to as many as150, with municipalities sharing $40 million in pot revenues over two years to defray expected costs in policing, social services and more. Shortly after winning the Progressive Conserva- tive leadership, Ford told CBC about recreational pot: “I don’t like the government controlling anything no matter what it is. I’m open to a free market and I’m going to consult with our caucus.”
On Thursday, Ford told reporters he is “focusing” on the LCBO to run cannabis stores because it already has infrastructure in place — but he won’t make a final decision before consulting municipal leaders and his PC caucus.
“I’m private sector — I don’t believe government should stick their nose into everything,” Ford said, adding that his top priority is that “we protect the children.”
Private marijuana companies have argued for the right to sell pot to the public, as have traditional pharmacies.