Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Chatham

Tempers Flare Over Medical Marijuana (GALLERY)

A zoning amendment is now approved to regulate medical marijuana and hemp operations in Lakeshore after a heated meeting Tuesday night in which police had to be called to keep the peace.

OPP officers arrived at council chambers in Lakeshore's town hall shortly after a heated argument between two people in the audience appeared to be heading towards a fight. No arrests were made and no charges are pending.

The amendment to the Lakeshore Official Plan limits medical marijuana operations to industrial and employment zones, while hemp production will be allowed in agricultural zones.

"It was a victory for the residents of the North Rear Road absolutely and Manning Road. We couldn't have asked for more," says Robert Soulliere, a resident of N Rear Rd. near the proposed site for CEN Biotech's medical marijuana operation.

The zoning amendment now needs to be approved by Essex County Council before a 20-day period for public comment before being finalized.

A lawyer representing CEN Biotech at Tuesday's meeting declined to comment on the zoning amendment regarding medical marijuana and hemp operations in Lakeshore.

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)Lakeshore Council holds a special meeting regarding a zoning amendment to regulate medical marijuana and hemp production operations on November 4, 2014. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)

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