A Chatham councillor wants to see more local control of private retail cannabis stores. 
Chatham-Kent is the latest municipality to opt in, which would result in a more than $120,000 kickback from the province to help offset legalization costs.
Ward Six representative Doug Sulman says at this point, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has control of the location of these stores, but since it’s more of a planning issue, that control should go to the municipality.
“I think it’s important that the local communities decide where any retail marijuana facility be located,” Sulman says. “We know best about our community, it shouldn’t be decided in Toronto.”
Sulman plans to bring the motion before council in January.
Opinions on hosting marijuana retail stores vary in surrounding communities. While cities like Sarnia and Leamington have opted in as well, Tecumseh and Lakeshore are opting out.