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Hamilton Police have closed down two marijuana dispensaries in the city. In a release, the Vice and Drug Unit says storefront marijuana dispensaries are illegal, and it has charged the operators with drug trafficking offences. However, other storefronts continue to operate openly.

Bright Moments re-opened right after it was raided by police. $100 000 worth of marijuana and derivative products were seized- others were left behind.

But not long after that, the storefront on King Street East was locked and these signs were up, apologizing for the legally-advised closure.

“This guy was always fair, straight up.” said Brian Pegg.

Brian Pegg would come for the nerve damage in his hip.

“The owner here would mix up a batch of butter, you just smoke a small portion. It lasts three hours, and all the pain is gone. When the pain is gone you can focus. You can be a better person, you know?”

He stopped using marijuana when Bright Moments was closed.

“Right now I’m on a prescription drug. It takes the pain away but it has terrible side effects. Liver, kidney damage. Addiction. Heavy addiction after a month.”

An online dispensary was shut down in June. Tweed, is one of only 34 licensed in Canada; patients can consult in person here, but the marijuana is sent through the mail. Other storefronts continue to operate – they say patients don’t have reasonable access to the drug otherwise.

Hamilton Police say they will not allow dispensaries to operate with impunity. However, they also say the sale of marijuana is not their highest priority. They’re aware of other dispensaries and as timing and resources permit, they will crack down on them. But right now, the Vice and Drug focus is on a more urgent problem; people dying from opium and fentanyl abuse.