Essex council is going to consider retail marijuana shops in the town but where they're going to be located is the big issue.
Council wants administration to look into a bylaw regulating the location of licensed retail pot shops.
Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche believes the town needs to allow licensed retailers but wants to know where they will be located.
Meloche says he's heard from local businesses concerned about the smell of the marijuana shops.
"A lot of these older buildings, the ceiling and the ventilation systems are not separated so they all share common ventilation, they all share common heating," he says. "Even the roofs sometimes are not, the attics and that are all common attics so whatever's in that store can seep in smell wise."
While he favours stand alone shops, Meloche wants to make sure the town is making the right decision.
"I just want to make sure that we're not going to make an uncomfortable situation for the businesses that are already here because of odour issues that may come about because of the nature of the product," he says.
Municipalities have until January 22, 2019 to opt in or opt out of allowing licensed retail shops within their boundaries.
A report is expected to come to council in December or early January.