Comox Valley RCMP made three arrests at a newly opened marijuana storefront on Wednesday.
According to an RCMP press release, investigators gathered evidence of offences under the Criminal Code of Canada/Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and took enforcement actions accordingly.
A quantity of marijuana, marijuana derivatives and cash was seized from the business, located on the 300 block of 4th Street in Courtenay.
Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
The business was also found to be operating without a business licence.
Unregulated sales of medicinal marijuana and derivatives put public safety at risk, especially when there are legal means of obtaining this product, noted police. The RCMP supports Health Canada’s efforts to ensure persons with medical requirements have legal access to marijuana in accordance with Canadian laws.
“There is no legal mechanism in Canada which allows for ‘medicinal marijuana dispensaries’ or ‘compassion clubs’ to sell marijuana to the public, regardless of whether or not the purchasing individual(s) have licences to possess marijuana or whether or not the vendor has a licence to produce marijuana,” said Const. Rob Gardner, Comox Valley RCMP spokesman.