Three men were arrested on the 900 block of 12th Street, which is near the medicinal marijuana dispensary, N.I.C.E., for possession of marijuana on May 23.
According to the New West Police Department, the street crime unit led an investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and executed a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of the marijuana and cash.
The men arrested, between the ages of 23 and 31, were released on promises to appear in court at a future date.
Staff Sgt. Paul Hyland said the charges will not be laid until crown counsel approves them. Until the charges move forward, the police cannot give specific details or identify individuals related to the case. The charges are expected to be approved in the next few weeks.
"We have to steer clear of giving too much specific information at this stage before charges are approved," Hyland added.
If marijuana is sold outside of Health Canada guidelines, it remains a criminal offence under the act, according to a media release from the police department.
The guidelines state that authorized medical marijuana can be obtained by individuals in three ways: it can be applied for directly from Health Canada, they can grow their own supply, or they can designate someone else to grow it for them.
"Furthermore, Health Canada has issued clear directions that while they will manage the activities of authorizations and licenses, the police will continue to investigate and enforce the provisions of the (act) where activities are not permitted under an authorization or license," the release states.
Justin Cleveland, president of the nonprofit West Coast Green Light Society that runs the medicinal marijuana N.I.C.E. Dispensary, confirmed the arrests but was unable to comment further before press deadline.
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