Windsor city council to vote on cannabis shops

Windsor's city council votes Monday night on having retail cannabis stores when they become legal April 1.

The city will receive $253,279 from the province regardless of the decision, but if it opts out, the city could lose out on future funding.

Ward 7 Coun. Irek Kusmierczyk is keeping an open mind.

"It's a complex issue. There's a lot of sides to the debate," said Kusmierczyk, adding that he will listen to what residents and other councillors have to say before making a decision.

'A diversification opportunity'

Ward 9 Coun. Kieran McKenzie however will vote to allow the retail stores, unless something unexpected comes up.

"This is a diversification opportunity," said McKenzie. "The only thing that we have to do is say yes."

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Dr. Christopher Blue prescribes medical marijuana. He hopes council will make decisions based on scientific facts rather than on myths and inaccurate information.

"People are still under the belief that cannabis is a deadly substance. Well, actually it's not. There's no lethal dose. It has no addictive properties," said Blue.

Administration recommends opting out

A total of 15 delegations are scheduled to speak on the issue at the meeting, including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit which has urged municipalities to opt out before.

In an online poll, 81 per cent of local residents said they were in favour of having cannabis stores.

Administraton is recommending council vote to opt out due to what they see as the many uncertainties that are coming. The city won't be able to regulate the stores.

Amherstburg town council is voting on the issue Monday as well. Administration there is recommending to allow the stores.