No final opt-out date has been set by the province for municipalties that don't want retail marijuana outlets within their boundaries.
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke says if somebody wants to go in that direction to opt out it should be considered carefully.
Clarke says there is illegal selling or trafficking of marijuana and he doesn't want Orillia to miss an opportunity to curb the illegal trade.
The Ontario government willl handle online sales of pot when marijuana is legalized October 17th, while private retailers will be allowed to sell cannabis in April of next year.
Clarke says the bottom line for him is public safety for families and neighbourhoods, to make sure public health isn't compromised.
As well, the mayor does not want a significant expense burden on the city.
He says there are questions that still need answers such as the number of retail outlets that will be allowed in a community, who is going to operate them and where they will go within a community.
So far, the mayors of Markham and Richmond Hill have publicly stated they don't want pot shops in their municipalities.
