New pot stores welcome in Kitchener and Guelph: city mayors

The mayors of Kitchener and Guelph say the new licensed cannabis stores coming to their cities will help protect public health and safety while also curbingthe black market.

This week, aspiring pot shop owners in Kitchener and Guelph won the province's cannabis retail store lottery draw.

"It really boils down to creating a safer alternative to the illegal cannabis market," Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic told The Morning Edition's Craig Norris.

"This can help get much of that illegal product off the street, [and] allows police to focus on bigger issues," he said.

Guelph Mayor Cam Gurthrie also said he did not have concerns or reservations with the new store coming to Guelph's downtown, knowing that the move has been a long time coming.

The applicants now have until Aug. 28 to apply for a cannabis retail operator licence and store authorization.

Listen to the whole interview with Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie: