Pubdate: Thu, 17 Apr 2014
Source: Uxbridge Times Journal, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Uxbridge Times Journal/Tribune
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/uxbridge-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2210
Author: Jeff Mitchell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

PROLIFERATION OF DURHAM POT PRODUCERS PROMPTS POLICE BOARD CONCERN

Durham Cops Want More Consultation on Medical Marijuana

DURHAM -- A potential proliferation of pot producers has prompted 
Durham police to seek more input in the granting of licenses for 
medical marijuana growers.

Members of Durham Region's police services board passed a resolution 
Monday that calls on Health Canada to consult local cops prior to 
granting licenses to medical marijuana growers. A recent revision to 
laws governing medical marijuana would require users to obtain their 
weed from authorized growers, rather than growing their own.

Users are challenging that revision. A recent court ruling has put 
the legislative changes on hold, but the federal government has 
announced its intention to appeal the decision.

The prospect of licensed grows cropping up is of concern to Durham 
police, who say the operations raise "community safety concerns". 
Prospective growers are required to notify police when they apply for 
a licence but Health Canada, which grants licenses, is under no 
obligation to consult local police. And there's no mechanism for 
alerting police when a license has been granted, board members heard Monday.

Police Chief Mike Ewles said Durham could soon be home to growers 
producing pot for what is expected to be a growing demand for medical 
marijuana. One Durham-based operation has been authorized to produce 
2,500 kilograms of marijuana a year, he said.

"We're getting awfully close to B.C.," the chief said, alluding to 
that province's reputation as a leading producer of illicit weed. 
"That's a lot of production.

"My concern is over community safety," the chief said, noting that 
while police have no say in approving legal grows, they do have an 
obligation to ensure the facilities are secure.

Board member and Pickering Councillor Bill McLean said municipalities 
are similarly excluded from the approval process. He said Pickering's 
ability to manage marijuana production is limited to ensuring the 
facilities have proper zoning.

He said there have been numerous applications made in Pickering. 
Uxbridge has also received an application.

"That seems very high," Coun. McLean said. "No pun intended."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom