Essex mayor says no to private pot shops, while Leamington mayor cites economic benefits

Essex mayor Larry Snivelydoes not support having private retail marijuana stores in his town. But for LeamingtonMayor Hilda MacDonald, their potential economic benefits can not be ignored.

Their respective town councils have yet todecide if they want to opt in or out of having retail cannabis stores open up.

However, the Town of Tecumseh andthe Town of Lakeshore decided to opt out Tuesday.

Essex mayor says 'no' to private pot shops

Snivelysaid he's concerned about potential increases inimpaired driving occurrences after the October legalization, andadded allowing private retail stores couldpossibly "open up an avenue where there could be more destruction on the roads due to this drug."

However, he believes council will ultimately allow the shops.

"I've got to respect the outcome from the rest of council, but to me, I will not support retail shops in our town," said Snively.

But the Town of Essex mayor said he wouldn't "close the door" on his stance and would be open to changing it afterlearning about how other municipalities which allow private pot shops have been affected.

Snivelywill be meeting with "senior government officials this week" to discuss the topic further, but wouldn't tell CBCNews who they are. He said a final decision from Essex town council is expected in early January.

Cannabis 'a big economic driver,' says Leamingtonmayor

But for people who live in Leamington, a decision from their town council will be made sooner.

Hilda MacDonald, mayor for the municipality, said council will announce the decision during Monday's meeting. She added it's a "little early" to say which way council will lean.

"We have to take into consideration this is a big economic driver in our community," said MacDonald, who said she doesn't want to reveal her personal stance ahead of Monday's meeting.

"Greenhouse and cannabis are leading industry sectors, which sets us apart from the rest of the communities in the county."

Municipalities across Ontario have until Jan. 22 to opt out of having retail stores. They can opt back in at any time.