TORONTO - A recent spike in the number of storefront marijuana dispensaries in parts of the country is prompting calls for the government to regulate an area not covered by current legislation.
The Canadian Association of Medical Cannabis Dispensaries estimates there are at least 350 such storefronts in Canada, with dozens opening in Toronto alone in the past few months.
Opponents say the storefront dispensaries are technically illegal and should be closed immediately.
But medical marijuana advocates say the answer is to introduce regulations to standardize the quality of the product they sell and the criteria for clients looking to buy it.
They say dispensaries fill a huge void for Canadians not covered by existing laws governing medical pot either distributed by mail or grown at home.
Advocates say they hope the burgeoning industry will be regulated when Ottawa moves to legalize marijuana next year.
