Questions from Council with staff response
1. Is it possible to have a two-tier licensing system for marijuana dispensaries, i.e., a reduced business license fee for a non-profit society?
Yes. Amendments to the proposed License By-law would be required. In the event that Council wishes to proceed with this approach, staff have prepared by-law amendments to:
i) define a separate business licence category called “Compassion Club” based on criteria and operational requirements regarding:
• being a duly registered non-profit society,
• serving only their members,
• providing a minimum level of non-marijuana health services (e.g. massage therapy, acupuncture),
• ensuring that all members may elect or be elected to society director or officer positions,
• holding membership in the Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries;
and
ii) establish a business licence fee of $1000.00 for Compassion Clubs.