Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
Source: The Outlook (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 The Outlook
Contact:  http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1433
Author: Andrew McCredie

A CLOSER LOOK: THE BIG BUD THEORY

With apologies to Georges Lemaitre, I'd like to advance a new theory.

Lemaitre is the Belgian priest who in 1927 proposed the universe 
began with the explosion of a single primeval atom. And while the Big 
Bang Theory is today considered highly flawed, Lemaitre's 
revolutionary idea as to the origin of our universe is still the 
favoured fodder of science fiction writers and futurists the world 
over.

My theory, though perhaps not as all-encompassing as to answer one of 
humankind's greatest puzzles (Where did we come from?), is poised to 
forever change the province's economic landscape.

The Big Bud Theory goes something like this: With the 
decriminalization of marijuana seemingly just a few years away in 
Canada (a local tabloid this week revealed that more than 50 per cent 
of people polled are in favour of decriminalization of bud), there 
will be an explosion in the number of home-based grow-ops throughout 
the country. And with that Big Bang of Big Bud cultivation, the 
entire socio-economic fabric of Canada will implode as more and more 
of us choose to grow the stinky crop over tending our fledgling 
careers of choice.

Think about it.

According to the West Vancouver police, a typical grow-op in that 
municipality brings in about $300,000 a year. That's $300,000 a year. 
Sure, there's the initial startup costs involved (lights, seeds, 
water pumps etc.), but once you've got that in place, you're away to 
the races. Would you give up the 9-to-5 grind in a 
going-nowhere-in-a-hurry-job for the mundane, lucrative existence of 
pot farmer?

Would you relinquish that 50 grand a year salary in which you aren't 
the boss, you don't have your own parking space, and you have to chip 
in a loonie a week for bad office coffee in favour of a business that 
involves sitting on the couch watching plants grow?

Like with the Big Bang Theory, there will be naysayers to the Big Bud 
Theory. They'll argue the government won't let you grow marijuana in 
your home or garden without official approval. Afterall, there's big 
tax money to be made in decriminalization, the Pot Party platform 
purports, so why would the Feds let just anyone grow it and lose that 
revenue stream? My understanding from the whole decriminalization 
thing is that police forces are in favour of it because it will cut 
down on the amount of man hours dedicated (read: wasted) in busting 
grow-ops.

The fallout of so many dropping out of the workforce to cultivate pot 
also means more jobs for the unemployed.

I'm a big believer in the Big Bud Theory.

So much so, in fact, that I'm currently house hunting along the West 
Van waterfront. I'm looking for a modest five bedroom place with a 
great view, huge deck, an indoor pool and a big, big, big basement.
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