How to tell the city what you think about retail cannabis stores in Hamilton

Hamilton has released its survey to see how the publicfeels about having legal cannabis stores.

People have until Jan. 9 to vote on whether the city should opt in or out of allowingcannabis retail stores. The results will inform city councillors when they vote on Jan. 14.

The survey camefrom a debate this week, when city councillorsvoted 7-6 against having cannabis stores in Hamilton.

Some opponents want to hold off until the province hands over more money to deal with the costs of legalization. Others cite the headaches caused by illegal dispensaries, and lack of control over where the stores will be located.

Those infavour saythe stores will bring new commercial taxies, economic spinoff, optionsfor consumersand new jobs.

Hamilton has until Jan. 22 to decide. The province is handing out 25 licencesfor anApril 1 launch.

If Hamilton opts out, it can opt in later. If it opts in, it can't withdraw.

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