To the editor:
Re: “Illegal pot shops not a VPD priority,” Oct. 18, “Federal laws govern Vancouver pot shops, says councillor,” Oct. 23.
As a proud member of the East Vancouver community and a manager with The Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary I am writing to respond to stories in your paper.
The Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary shares Ray-Cam’s core value of community and compassion for those in need.
I have seen first hand the positive impacts The Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary has had within our community and beyond. Throughout our five years in operation we have put great effort into building positive relationships and trust within our community/neighbourhood — working diligently to uphold very strict policies, including those surrounding our memberships’ behaviour in the community.
Members of the Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary are expected to consume their medicine responsibly — not in front of the store on the corner or near Ray-Cam Community Centre.
Members are not to loiter or congregate in front of our store or surrounding businesses.
Members are expected to be respectful. This expectation extends beyond our store.
Membership services are suspended if a member cannot behave responsibly and respectfully in our store and in the community.
Minors are not permitted in The Medicinal Cannabis Dispensary unless they are accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. If ever “kids wander” into our store, they are immediately turned away at the door. Kids are not subjected to anything negative because of our presence. We provide our members with safe access to medicine. There is nothing negative in that, it is the stigma and illegality that continues to loom a dark shadow.
Kids get access to cannabis through street dealers, not dispensaries. We are committed to our community, to our neighbourhood and value the positive relationships we have built.
We ask that community centre workers, community members (residents) and parents with any concerns share those with us so we can work together to ensure a safe neighbourhood.
Dani Russo,
Vancouver
