Pubdate: Fri, 09 Sep 2016
Source: Alberni Valley News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Alberni Valley News
Contact:  http://www.albernivalleynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4247
Author: Katya Slepian

CITY HAS NO SAY IN NEW POT REGS: SMITH

No changes are expected at the municipal level following changes to
federal regulations on homegrown medical marijuana.

As of Aug. 24, the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations
(ACMPR) will replace the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
(MMPR).

The MMPR regulations brought in by the Conservative government in 2013
limited legal marijuana production and purchase to authorized
commercial producers. Those producers will remain active even under
the new system.

The new access system is similar to the pre-MMPR system where
individuals needing marijuana for medical purposes can apply to either
produce, or designate a grower to produce for them, a limited quantity
of marijuana.

The possession limit is either a 30-day supply or 150 grams of dried
marijuana-whichever is less.

Individuals wanting to produce marijuana for medical purposes must
register with Health Canada and cannot grow adjacent to schools,
playgrounds, daycares or other public places mainly frequented by children.

City of Port Alberni planner Scott Smith said that while this round of
new regulations on home grown medical marijuana was too new to know
for sure, last time similar regulations were in place they didn't
involve municipalities.

"At that time the federal government didn't involve local government,"
said Smith, adding that council had yet to discuss the issue.

"Part of the concern last time was that the police, fire department
and local governments weren't consulted."

Mayor Mike Ruttan noted that it changed nothing for the city as the
regulations were on a federal level.

"We aren't changing anything," said Ruttan.

Storefront dispensaries remain illegal under federal
law.

Port Alberni Fire Department Deputy Chief Wes Patterson said that
while he couldn't comment on the precise risks of homegrown marijuana
production, improperly rewiring a home can cause dangerous problems.

"Anytime that we see improper electrical installation for whatever
reason it's a cause for concern," said Patterson.

"With using a residential property for more than what it's intended
for... there's always concerns about that. If things are done properly
with ventilation, electrical installation, it can be done safely but
if it's done in a jury-rigged fashion there's always that potential."

According to PAFD records, there have been 17 electrical fires in Port
Alberni since 2010.

"All various extension cord and equipment failures," said
Patterson.

"There was one fire in a grow-op since 2010 that was electrical in
nature."
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MAP posted-by: Matt