Getting high, even legally, may cost London taxpayers -- and city officials want to know how much.

Council’s planning committee voted Monday to ask staff for a report on what legalization will cost the city, with the federal government intending to legalize marijuana sales next summer.

"It makes sense to be prepared, one of the concerns we have is downloading to municipalities,” Coun. Anna Hopkins said. “This will put an extra pressure on our budgeting process.

"How do we prepare?”

Issues to be looked at may include zoning and the impact on retail outlets.

"We agree with this, we have started a review. We think this is a prudent thing to do," said city planner Michael Tomazincic.

The action comes from a letter to the committee from councilors Jesse Helmer and Jared Zaifman. They asked politicians to direct staff to review how other communities have handled zoning for cannabis sales and consult with provincial officials, public-health leaders and police for their approach on regulations.

The matter now goes to council for a final vote.