The Port Hope Police Service has issued letters to several businesses in town regarding the illegal sales of cannabis and cannabis based products.
Recently officers visited several businesses in town and served the letters regarding the sale of cannabis and related products.
The letter was written by Sgt. Dan Linker of the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Port Hope Police Service.
“Land Registry records indicate that you are the business owner or registered owner of a retail property within the Municipality of Port Hope, Ontario. This letter is to inform you that the Port Hope Police Service is investigating unlawful activity that is occurring in relation to some retail properties.”
“Any stories or business selling cannabis and cannabis related products are in direct conflict wit the Cannabis Act at both the provincial and federal levels. This includes any CBD products.”
Section 6(1) of the Provincial Cannabis Act – No person shall sell cannabis, other than an authorized cannabis retailer.
In addition, it is an offence for a landlord to allow such activity to take place on properties that they own.
Section 13 (1) of the Provincial Cannabis Act – No person shall knowingly permit a premises of which he or she is a landlord to be used in relation to an activity prohibited by section 6.
An individual who is convicted for contravening section 6 or 13 is liable,
(a) on a first conviction in respect of the section, a fine of not more than $250,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or both; and
(b) on a subsequent conviction in respect of the section, a fine of not more than $100,000 for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or both.
A copy of the Provincial Cannabis Act can be read at http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/17c26. A copy of the amendments to this act can be read at http://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-36.
It is incumbent upon you, as the registered owner, to ensure that you are meeting your obligations as a responsible property owner in the province of Ontario.
You are also legally required to ensure that any activity on, or in relation to, your property does not adversely affect the health, safety and security of the community.
We ask that you take notice that the Port Hope Police Service will continue to investigate all allegations of criminal activity. This enforcement may include action as deemed appropriate in relation to these offences, other offences, and various Provincial Statutes, including seeking forfeiture of the property itself.
The Port Hope Police Service is dedicated to the service of the public, including you as a business or property owner. If you require assistance with respect to strategies, which may be employed by you to reduce/cease the unlawful activity associated with your property, please do not hesitate to contact the writer.
Today’s Northumberland reached out to Sgt. Linker who stated, “all CBD products are illegal for sale in stores unless the person has a medical licence. Then they can only buy it from an authorized store. My letter includes all CBD products including hemp.”
An e-mail was sent to Cobourg Police Staff Sgt. Brent Allison in regards to Cobourg’s policy regarding cannabis and cannabis related products, but Today’s Northumberland did not get a reply.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
