Who’s supplying medical marijuana?

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There has been sudden explosion of medical marijuana dispensaries popping up across Hamilton and Toronto. With only 18 licensed producers in the province the question is, where are they getting their medical marijuana? Licensed producers say it’s not from them.

While the Federal Government wrestles with how to legalize marijuana a number of entrepreneurs are trying to claim a foot hold in the booming industry. Even though under the current law, dispensaries can’t sell any kind of marijuana products over the counter, some are selling and getting their products illegally.

Earlier this year a federal judge extended a court injunction that allowed people who have licenses to grow their own marijuana until a further court order. According to Health Canada licensed individuals cannot sell their crops but Tweed President Mark Zekulin says some are doing exactly that. Zekulin says consumers can only purchase medical marijuana through a mail-order system and that buyers should be cautious if dispensaries have a store front.

Tweed currently serves over 10 000 customers and is one of only 18 authorized licensed producers in Ontario. It’s store front in downtown Hamilton has no marijuana products on-site.

Niagara Regional Police say medical marijuana users could be putting themselves at risk by purchasing through a store front. Authorities say dispensaries and even licensed users can face criminal charges if their products were purchased or sold illegally.