Winnipeg marijuana dispensary illegal, non-profit group says

A director with a non-profit group in Vancouver says she has filed a complaint with Winnipeg police after they told her marijuana dispensaries are legal.

Pamela McColl with Smart Approaches to Marijuana Canada said she tried to lodge a complaint about a new marijuana dispensary that just opened in Winnipeg.

Medical Marijuana Headquarters opened on Main Street July 1. With the right paper work, customers can purchase medical marijuana from the store.

McColl said when she learned the store had opened, she called Winnipeg police. But she said she was in disbelief during the phone conversation she had with Winnipeg police.

"I was astounded .... The person on the other end of the phone said 'They're legal,' and I said 'No, no, no they're not.' And they were arguing with me," said McColl. "I found that kind of upsetting, to have the Winnipeg Police [Service] kind of not take a complaint seriously and to misinform the public."

McColl said she has emailed Mayor Brian Bowman hoping he will step in before more marijuana shops open in Winnipeg.

Bowman's office said the mayor intends to review the matter with police. Police said they are looking into the complaint.

McColl said several mayors in British Columbia are currently trying to get rid of marijuana dispensaries there.