Pubdate: Mon, 26 Aug 2002
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Author: Sid Chow Tan
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1548/a10.html

GROW YOUR OWN, WIN WAR ON DRUGS

To the editor,

Re: "Marijuana motion a bust," Aug. 18.

I propose all residents of Vancouver do their duty in the so-called war on 
drugs and grow eight marijuana plants in their home. Growers could enjoy 
the harvest in personal use, gifts to family and friends and contribute to 
worthy causes. The Compassion Club comes to mind.

About two years ago, I informed Mayor Philip Owen and Chief Constable Terry 
Blythe on three occassions that there were eight marijuana plants in my 
home. Not receiving a response, I concluded silence gives consent and 
ceased to worry about the legality of my eight plant grow-op.

An eight-plant immunity would eliminate the electrical dangers of illegal 
grow-ops, the result of oppressive laws that many Canadians oppose. If 
enough citizens do their duty, the market prices for marijuana would be 
driven down. This would eliminate the need for large grow-ops and their 
resultant huge untaxed profits.

What is needed is clarification about the city's intentions. It is clear 
the enforcement strategy of Grow Busters is aimed at those tearing up 
interiors, stealing electricity and causing problems for their neighbours. 
Simply, will the Vancouver Police Department and Grow Busters shut down an 
eight plant grow-op?

Eight plants is an auspicious number. It would be enough for personal use 
and a small surplus given the possible three growing cycles per year. The 
eight plant immunity, coupled with "grassroots" action, will restore 
financial profit as common wealth and allow industrious opportunities.

Vancouver is already famous (infamous?) for the quality of marijuana 
produced by an estimated 10,000 illegal grow-ops. It is time for someone at 
city hall to show leadership and propose an eight plant immunity. This 
would severely ham-string illegal producers and bring an end to the debate 
about legalizing marijuana. Think of the time and dollars our citizens, 
city council and police force would save with this "home-grown" solution.

Sid Chow Tan,

Vancouver
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