Montreal gets new marijuana compassion centre

Anew compassion club offering medicinal marijuana has opened its doors in Montreal.

The Culture 420 Compassion Society set up shop on Park Avenue in Montreal's Mile-End district last week.

Organizers said their original location in the southwest borough of Lachine was overrun with customers.

"There are a lot of people travelling to the Lachine Compassion Centre, which was an issue," said centre spokesman Gary Webber. "We were struggling with the parking and overwhelming client base."

The organization went through proper municipal channels to open the new centre, and no one was opposed to the idea, said Webber.

"We spoke with the neighbouring businesses before moving in, and the city council. When we sent them letters, they didn't respond.... [they] didn't seem to have a problem with it."

Park Avenue merchant Chris Karidogiannis said having a compassion club in the neighbourhood will be good for all businesses.

"It's up to you to decide what kind of people you want on the street or not, but any type of people would actually bring life to the street."

Karidogiannis said the people who run and use the club are discreet, and have not yet caused any problems.