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The entire process of legalization of this simple, healing plant has turned into a complicated and damaging state of affairs.

However, this concern is largely overshadowed by a much more sinister occurrence that’s happening behind the scenes: Big Cannabis.

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Earlier this year an article by the Cannabis Business Times suggested hundreds of millions of dollars is pouring into some Canadian licensed producers from anonymous sources in well-known offshore tax havens, such as the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Belize and Barbados.

In June, Liberal Sen. Serge Joyal said police have confirmed that organized crime has already infiltrated part of the medical marijuana market in Canada.

Joyal said more than $250 million has been invested in Canadian cannabis companies from the Cayman Islands alone.

The best option would be a small-scale craft-grow license which could be applied for by average citizens and not just million-dollar corporations. If these growers are compliant with government regulations, they would also be considered licensed producers for the purpose of supplying Ontario private retail stores.

My biggest hope? Mayor Drew Dilkens knows what’s going on and — by hesitating on allowing retail pot stores in the city — is trying his best to bring the power back to the people of Windsor.

Ramsin Ishaq, Windsor

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