Pubdate: Thu, 29 Nov 2012
Source: Kamloops Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Kamloops Daily News
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/679
Author: Michele Young
Page: 3

BYLAW FULL OF FLAWS, SAYS POT ADVOCATE

Restricting Licensed Grow-Ops to Industrial Areas Would Be Too 
Costly, Advocate Says

A medical marijuana user and advocate says the City's proposal to put 
grow-ops in industrial-zoned areas is too restrictive and expensive.

Medical marijuana advocate Carl Anderson said Wednesday he looked for 
heavy industrial zoned property on the weekend after hearing about 
the City's proposed bylaw changes.

He came up empty.

"Where they propose the grows be allowed, there's nothing at all 
available in those zones. There are heavy industrial sites available. 
But if you look at the regulations, there are certain restrictions 
over and above like not having neighbours, no ancillary businesses in 
the building, it has to be a free standing building," Anderson said.

Last week, he gave a first-glance endorsement to the City's proposed 
bylaw. But on the weekend, he gave it a closer look and found enough 
flaws to change his mind.

"Basically, this is extremely bad piece of public policy planning. 
I've never seen anything like it. If city hall wants to talk to local 
medical marijuana users about the way to make production safe, they 
should come and talk to us and get some ideas about what we want," he said.

On Tuesday, council voted 7-2 in favour of taking the proposed 
industrial zoning bylaw changes to a public hearing for input. The 
change is being made in anticipation of Ottawa revamping the rules on 
medical marijuana grows.

Coun. Tina Lange had suggested the zoning be extended to agricultural 
areas, but her idea was rejected. Anderson, however, agreed with her.

"To not allow an agricultural crop to be produced on agricultural 
land is just stupid," he said. He knows of at least 100 people in 
town who are licensed users. Permits range from five to 200 plants or more.

"They pay their property taxes and they should be allowed to do that. 
Most of them are on disability or extremely fixed incomes. They can 
produce it for pennies in their basement."

Anderson said there's a box on wheels costing $5,000 that holds 20 
plants and lights and keeps everything contained. Moving plants to 
industrial areas with a lot of restrictions would push the cost way 
up, he said.

He wants the public hearing cancelled so people with licences can 
give council input. Some of those people wouldn't speak at a public 
gathering because they don't want to be identified.

"I am totally supportive of making it a better system and making it 
safer for communities. But they have to include us," he said.

"Maybe minor inspections from the City, make sure it's certified, 
make sure the ventilation's good."

City fire chief Neill Moroz said his department has dealt with a 
couple of licensed home growers in recent years. The usual problems 
are poor ventilation and suspect wiring on the equipment.

"It's how the equipment's hooked up and how it's maintained. The 
equipment is a draw on the residential electrical system that isn't 
designed for that commercial use," he said.

"No one inspects these facilities to make sure they're done correctly 
or safely."

Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod said the City is taking the right steps, 
given the federal health minister is trying to deal with concerns 
that have arisen around medical marijuana growing.

Consultations began last year and Ottawa is looking at reforms that 
could result in a number of licensed growers designated to provide 
marijuana but with stricter regulations and registered locations.

"Like any medication or medical condition, there is support out there 
for people who have medications they require," said McLeod.

She didn't know the health minister's timeline but said it is moving 
forward. The City's proposed bylaw changes are a proactive step, she said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom