Hamilton city council opts in on retail cannabis stores

After hours of debate, Hamilton city council has voted to permit retail cannabis stores in the city.

The first vote came on a motion by Ward 4 councillor Sam Merulla to opt out.

It ended in an 8-8 tie, meaning the motion was defeated and the city would opt in by default.

Vote to opt out of cannabis retail fails for n #HamOnt 8-8 pic.twitter.com/RDwy8BydkV

— Lisa Hepfner (@LisaHepfnerCHCH) January 14, 2019

Councillors did look at a second motion – one to opt in – put forward by Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

It passed by a vote of 10 to 6 but it wasn’t necessary.

“Hamilton will now receive substantial financial assistance from the provincial government to regulate these shops, ensure cannabis products sold are regulated by Health Canada,” said Eisenberger in a statement.

He said the move to opt in will also help shut down illegal dispensaries in the city.

According to Hamilton Police, there are still 34 illegal cannabis dispensaries in Hamilton.

Both St. Catharines and Burlington also chose to opt in on Monday, while Oakville opted out.