Pubdate: Thu, 02 Apr 2009
Source: Liberal, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/yr4/YR_News/Newscentre/The_Liberal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2347
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

DO AWAY WITH POT PROGRAM

Let's get this straight.

The federal government grants licences to individuals to grow
"medicinal" marijuana for their own use, but refuses to tell the local
police who holds such licences and it appears inspections are all but
non-existent.

Does anyone see the potential for abuse here?

We've all heard about levels of government or agencies tasked with our
protection failing to communicate with one another, but this takes it
to a whole new level.

Licensed or not, a marijuana growing operation, particularly one that
operates without oversight, comes with inherent risk. There's
potential for mould and electrical problems, not to mention attracting
criminals if word gets out about what's going on inside the home.

A crook won't care about a Health Canada licence when he busts down
the door seeking to rip off the place.

Such incidents are all too common in other parts of the region where
illegal grow-ops flourish.

There are no rules on where these approved pot farms can be
established, according to Health Canada. It could be the house next
door and, according to the government, you don't have a right to know
about it. Neither do the police.

York Regional Police have already stumbled upon two in residential
neighbourhoods in our community. Where are the others?

The practice of licensing individuals to grow and harvest marijuana
for personal use should end immediately as it's clear Health Canada
doesn't have the resources or desire to police the program
effectively.

Allow doctors to continue prescribing the substance, but have
pharmacists oversee distribution.  It's the only way to stop the
potential for abuse and make our communities safer.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin