Hamilton Police executed a warrant at Georgia Peach cannabis dispensary late yesterday afternoon. Cannabis dispensaries remain illegal despite cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018. The Ontario Cannabis Store website is the only legal option for purchasing recreational cannabis. It follows strict rules set by the federal government.

On Thursday, October 25, 2108, Hamilton Police Vice and Drug Unit executed a search warrant at 945 Upper James St in Hamilton at the Georgia Peach cannabis dispensary. Once on scene, the Hamilton Police located and seized approximately 90 pounds of processed cannabis for sale, as well as a large amount of edibles, hash, THC oil, CBD powder and pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes. Hamilton Police, along with Hamilton By-law, issued offence notices to six employees for various offences under the new provincial Cannabis Act.

Charged: Six employees with the following offence:

Ontario Cannabis Act Section 6(1) - No person shall sell cannabis, other than an authorized cannabis retailer

One employee was also charged with numerous by-law offences

• City of Hamilton By-Law No. 10-197 Sec 4.1(b) - Display sign not in compliance with section 5.1.1(b)
• City of Hamilton By-Law No. 10-197 Sec 5.6.2(a) - Temporary Sign – Display without a permit
• City of Hamilton By-Law No. 07-170 Sec 1(2) - Engage/carry on any business regulations by this By-Law (Food Premise – No Licence)
• City of Hamilton By-Law No. 10-221 Sec 30(1)(a) - Fail to comply with all standards prescribed in By-Law (Dry-wall missing / Roof tiles missing)

All individuals were provided with a future court date.

Hamilton Police continue to monitor the number of illicit dispensaries operating in Hamilton and remain committed to enforcing the new legislation. Individuals operating illegal dispensaries can face fines up to $250,000, with an additional $100,000 penalty for each day operating after charges have been laid. Landlords leasing to illegal dispensaries can also be subjected to fines up to $250,000. Individuals and landlords could also face up to two years in jail. A corporation can face up to a maximum $1,000,000 fine.