Unlicensed Cannabis Dispensary in Peterborough Raided by Police

Article by Peterborough Examiner

A large quantity of marijuana and cannabis edibles were seized in a raid Monday at one of Peterborough’s unlicensed recreational marijuana dispensaries.

The Medicine Box dispensary at 181 Charlotte St. has been operating 11 hours a day, seven days a week since last year from a storefront with a sign that reads Psychic Studio. The Examiner reported on the store’s operations last month.

The city police intelligence, crime analyst, asset forfeiture and drug unit executed a search warrant during Monday’s raid, police said.

One person was taken into custody, police said, but there was no immediate word from police on whether any charges would be laid.

On Monday afternoon, a steady stream of customers continued to head to the shop, only to find a sign on the door announcing the store was closed.

While personal use marijuana consumption, growing, purchasing and possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis was legalized across Canada in 2018, it remains illegal to sell marijuana without a licence.

Renovations continued over the weekend on Peterborough’s first licensed marijuana dispensary.

Huge Shops won the licence last August in the province’s second marijuana store lottery and plans to open the Growers Retail store in the former Classic Rattan shop at 225 George St. N.

After going through a public notice period in December, the store has not yet received authorization to open status from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Owner Michael Potts has said the licensed store will employ about 20 to 30 full- and part-time workers.

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