An incoming Sarnia councillor believes it's in the city's best interest to opt into selling legal marijuana before the January deadline.
Municipalities have until the new year to decide whether they want to host retail stores in the community come April 2019.
Mike Stark said while he isn't a cannabis user, he knows many people who are.
He said opting in would be a great benefit for the city.
"Cannabis is being consumed now," said Stark. "I don't see any reason why we would not want to reap the benefits of the taxation element that goes with that."
Stark is no stranger to municipal politics, having previously served as Sarnia's alderman, and as a reeve with the Town of Clearwater.
Meanwhile, council has already directed staff to prepare a report with information on the provincial government's opt-out option.
It would include background on the retail act, a list of pros and cons, input from local public health officials and any questions or concerns from an online survey.
