Marijuana dispensaries have been popping up across Toronto over the past few months as the federal government prepares to change the laws on use of the drug.

In this video, the CBC's David Common checked out a Toronto dispensary without a prescription for medical use of marijuana — all it took him was some cash and a few minutes to sign paperwork.

Currently, only people with a prescription can buy marijuana through producers licensed by Health Canada. And the prescription marijuana must be ordered from a licensed producer, and then sent directly to the prescription holder — dispensaries and "compassion clubs" are still not legal. Health Canada has detailed information about the process here.

But with the laws changing soon, dispensaries have begun operating in what appears to be a legal grey zone.

Many of them have doctors offering prescriptions to would-be buyers. And the police don't tend to bust them unless there are complaints from neighbours.

The new marijuana laws are expected to come into effect next year.

CBC News reached out to the Toronto dispensary featured in this story for comment but have not received a response.