Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jan 2014
Source: Now, The (Surrey, CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 David Hutchinson
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n030/a08.html
Author: David Hutchinson

PATIENTS DESERVE SUPPORT IN GETTING MEDICAL POT

The Editor,

Re: "Delta to ban medical marijuana business," the Now, Jan. 9.

It is extremely frustrating to read an article where Delta council
appears to be attempting to redefine what nature consists of by
condemning greenhouse growing of medical marijuana as
inappropriate.

Health Canada has specifically allowed for the greenhouse growing of
this crop in its regulations with the understanding that it is the
healthiest, cheapest and lowest carbon footprint available, given that
outdoor growing is not permitted.

Furthermore, this medicine should be grown in a safe manner on
agricultural land away from residential and industrial areas. The
reason indoor growing became the norm has been due to the illicit
nature of cannabis and not because it is the preferred growth
environment.

Interestingly, Washington State allows for greenhouse growing in its
legalized programme.

However, it seems this council knows best and we suspect that Delta
could encounter a legal challenge from someone under the Right to Farm
Act.

Furthermore, medical marijuana has a 5,000-year global history and
patients deserve support to obtain cheap, healthy access to medicine
in a supportive and safe environment.

Unfortunately, that does not seem to be a priority for this
council.

David Hutchinson, Surrey  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D