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Kimberley’s growing cannabis industry
By Brenda Ann Babinski
Kimberley’s emerging alternative health industry will be expanding once again.
City of Kimberley council last night voted unanimously to override existing bylaws and issue business licenses to two new medical marijuana dispensaries.
Chris and Laurie Weitzel presented at the council meeting, seeking a business license to set up Earth Zone Naturals, a cannabis dispensary specializing in oils and smokeables, but no edibles.
Chris Weitzel was diagnosed several years ago with stage four esophageal cancer. When traditional medicine failed to help his condition, he and his wife Laurie traveled to Mexico in search of alternative methods. A complete change in lifestyle, including the use of cannabis oil, has brought about almost complete wellness. In fact, his last five biopsies have shown absolutely no sign of cancer.
“I want people to know that there are other ways to look after their health that maybe aren’t as invasive as some of our traditional ways are,” Weitzel explained. “Cannabis is not a magic bullet but it is part of an integral system.”
Earth Zone Naturals will offer products that specialize in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as cancer, MS and arthritis.
“When you hear the word cancer you have been taught to be afraid. I want people to know they don’t have to be afraid.” Weitzel’s own health regime, including eating organically, taking supplements and other holistic approaches will all form part of the education that will be offered at Earth Zone Naturals.
City council members’ vote allows for the distribution of the product but not the production.
Mayor Don McCormick was clear about the city’s intention in allowing the cannabis industry a larger foothold in Kimberley. “Quietly over the past four or five years alternative medicine businesses have emerged and this has the makings of an industry,” he stated. “Kimberley currently has approximately 20 businesses that are engaged in what would be called alternative health services, such as massage, hydrotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, spas, yoga, chiropractic, physiotherapy. Very clearly there is a need in this community for these types of services our demographic expects.”
Health Canada does not allow for medical cannabis dispensaries as a form of distribution for prescribed medical marijuana.
The City of Kimberley made an historic move earlier this summer by voting unanimously to override its own bylaw and issue a business license to Tamarack Dispensary, a medical cannabis dispensary now located in Marysville.
Mayor McCormick made it clear that the role of the city in that move, and in the most recent issuance of business licenseses, is about the expanding industry of alternative and holistic products and services.
“Really what we are doing is showing support for the entrepreneurs for their vision of their service and they see a market for it. We owe it to the community to ensure that alternative health services are in fact available to those who wish to use them,” he said.
The regulation of the product will not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.
“The city does not intend to regulate at this point. Regulation is a whole other thing. We will let the market determine the viability of any of these businesses going in. What’s important to us, what’s important to me, is that the entrepreneurs are credible entrepreneurs with a business plan that shows a high probability of success,” McCormick said, adding, “Given the stance that the federal government has on dispensaries these days, it is fully on the backs of the entrepreneurs and not in any way connected with the city.”
Kimberley Botanicals’ request for a business license was also approved, under the condition that there be no production on site.
With three medical marijuana dispensaries soon to be open in Kimberley, McCormick is optimistic about what is proving to be an “interesting movement in supporting what is an emerging industry.”
