Saskatoon moves closer to regulating pot dispensaries

Saskatoon city council took its first steps toward regulating medical marijuana dispensaries this morning.

Mark Hauk is with the Saskatchewan Compassion Club. He made a pitch to the planning and development committee for the city becoming involved in regulating the business.

The committee unanimously approved sending the request to the administration for a report. It also requested specific input from the city solicitor and the Board of Police Commissioners.

"I agree with just about everything you've said," Councillor Pat Lorje said. "We need to be proactive."

Councillor Troy Davies also liked the idea.

"This is great to see," he said.

Committee members questioned Hauk on security, location and amounts of marijuana kept on site.

Hauk is opening the dispensary on Second Avenue. He considered a location in an industrial area but rejected it because he said the majority of patients are low income and live in the downtown. They typically aren't able to find a way to the outlying areas.

The committee hopes to get its follow-up report by October.