Whitewood, Sask., dispensary worried after Saskatoon raid; vows to carry on

The province's only other medical marijuana dispensary is worried after the Saskatchewan Compassion Club was raided by police yesterday.

Four people connected to the Saskatoon-based dispensary were arrested and have been charged with trafficking marijuana, among other charges.

The club, which opened up in August, is designed to help people easily gain access to medical marijuana.

Jerry Martin, owner of Martin Medical Services in Whitewood, Sask., admits he's concerned.

"Sure, I'm worried," said Martin. "I'm the last one left on the prairies."

Martin said he was surprised that Mark Hauk, founder of the Saskatoon dispensary, was charged. Hauk made his intentions clear prior to opening, even talking to Saskatoon city council about becoming regulated.

"It was a shame. That's for sure," said Martin. "I know Mark put a lot of effort into communicating with the city and with the police there prior to opening. It's a bit of a shock that that happened at all."

Saskatoon police had previously warned founder Hauk that the club would be closed down if it was found to be breaking the law.

Health Canada also sent a cease and desist letter to 13 dispensaries across the country, warning if they didn't shut down, they could face fines and jail time.

Now, Martin, and other compassion club operators across the country are anxiously waiting to see if the newly-elected Liberal government will change the rules for dispensaries.

"(My lawyer) is sending them a letter to stop any pending charges and any existing charges against dispensaries," he said. "He's going to ask that any new charges be withdrawn until new legislation is set."