A medical marijuana dispensary in Halifax that is already operating illegally is taking their business one step further.
Shirley Martineau opened Auntie's Health and Wellness on Barrington Street four months ago. She says the business mainly sells medical marijuana, but that’s about to change.
“I had to open my doors to anybody without a doctor's permit because there's no doctors giving anybody permits or signing for anybody,” Martineau said.
Martineau says she will sell cannabis to anyone in just about any form.
“I can't honestly say no to the cancer patients and to the people that are sick that leave here,” she said. “I can't do it anymore.”
Canadians who have been authorized to use medicinal marijuana have to purchase it through a producer licensed by Health Canada. While the federal government is moving to legalize marijuana, selling it in a storefront is currently illegal, even if it’s for medicinal purposes.
“As for the police, I haven't heard from them as yet,” Martineau said.
Halifax Regional Police admit they aren't actively pursuing people who sell cannabis in store fronts. They haven't received any public complaints, but they say if they do they are obligated to pursue them.
“Currently we're adhering to the laws that are in place. When those laws change we'll adhere to those laws,” said Halifax Regional Police spokeswoman Const. Dianne Penfound .
But the issue goes beyond the Criminal Code. The city says Auntie's Health and Wellness had its permit denied because the municipality knew they were selling an illegal product.
“We're now conferring with our legal department to determine next steps to bring them into compliance,” said city spokeswoman Tiffany Chase.
But Martineau says nothing will stop her, even if it means going to jail.
“I'm willing to walk on glass or fire for my cancer patients."
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell
