By Charlene Tebbutt

Shellbrook looks for more time on cannabis

Mar 15, 2018 | 2:03 PM

The Town of Shellbrook wants more time to decide whether to allow Cannabis sales in the community.

Shellbrook Mayor George Tomporowski told paNOW the local council needs more information, and more time, before deciding whether cannabis should be approved for sale in town. Tomporowski said there are concerns about where to locate a possible retail outlet, and whether it is appropriate for the community at all. He said council would like to hear from local residents before going ahead.

“We’re not saying ‘no,’ but we’re not saying ‘yes’ either,” Tomporowski said. “The other thing we want to do too is get some feedback from our own citizens. It hasn’t ever really been talked about in the community, so we need to do that.”

The Town of Shellbrook is eligible for one retail outlet in the community, and the province is currently accepting applications from interested retailers across Saskatchewan. About 60 new permits are available, spanning 40 municipalities and First Nations across the province. The deadline to apply for a Cannabis retail permit is April 10.

The Saskatchewan Government released its policy framework and guidelines for the distribution and sale of Cannabis Wednesday.

Trial proceedings

Man charged after violent assault at Prince Albert jail, cleared of any wrongdoing

10h ago

La Ronge police shooting

Court reviews video showing Terrence Daigneault opening fire on La Ronge RCMP officers

11h ago

Down, set, hut!

Local football players bring home gold from Germany

13h ago

The provincial guidelines called for a minimum age of 19 in order to buy Cannabis products for non-medicinal purposes, and zero tolerance for drug-impaired drivers. The consumption of Cannabis will be banned in public places, and in schools and daycares, and minors will be prohibited from possessing any amount. The province will stick to federal regulations around growing plants at home, and will limit the number of plants to four.

Tomporowski said the Town of Shellbrook is interested in hearing what other communities are doing and what the federal government regulations will be around legalization. He said he doesn’t expect a decision in Shellbrook until at least the late summer.

“There’s just so little information available, and we’re being asked to make a pretty monumentous decision with no information,” Tomporowski added. “Council didn’t feel they were in a position to do that.”

The provincial government said several Saskatchewan communities have opted out and decided not to pursue a Cannabis retail outlet at this time, including Kindersley, Biggar, White City and Pilot Butte. Should these communties decide to move ahead with a retail outlet in the future, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority said the government will respect their decision.

The federal government is expected to legalize cannabis Canada-wide in July.

charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt