A controversial bylaw that could lead to the closure of cannabis dispensaries in West Kelowna had its public hearing this week.
Council heard from people on both sides of the argument on Tuesday, including those who use the dispensaries to treat medical conditions.
Mark Conlin says forcing patients to shop in soon-to-be-legal recreational pot shops isn't right.
"To suggest that a cancer patient, or an epileptic, or somebody with Crohn's disease, should have to access their medicine from a party store, as opposed to a medicinal cannabis store, is quite frankly, to me as a patient, offensive," he said.
"It shows a complete lack of understanding of what is being provided, in terms of services, in these medical dispensaries."
Theresa Dunnigan is another one of those people, and told council she believes that cannabis is one of the most natural products that's out there.
"Cannabis is as boring, and as necessary, as any other vegetable. If you're against cannabis, you're against broccoli, carrots, citrus fruit, mustard, the list goes on," she said.
"That statement (that) it is a dangerous substance is one of the biggest frauds on society."
On the flip side, Farlie Paynter says he's uncomfortable with this type of consumption becoming more mainstream.
"We're dulling our brains, and we're opening up such a big can of worms that I don't know how we'll ever close it," he said.
"I've never tried drugs or alcohol or anything, I grew up in a time when we didn't. And we found ways to use our minds so that we weren't anxious. We figured out why we were anxious, why we were stressed, and we got on."
Paynter told council that as a result of his lifestyle, he hasn't been to a doctor in 45 years.
Other people spoke on the negative effects of the industry, with one homeowner saying that his home's value has shot down because of a grow-op next door.
Council will debate the bylaw once more at third reading, though it's not yet clear which meeting's agenda that will land on.