Pubdate: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 Source: Record, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.royalcityrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1654 WORRY ABOUT THE ILLEGAL ONES We think that New Westminster city council doth protest a little too much about the medical marijuana factory which is now situated in the Royal City. It's understandable that the city got its nose out of joint because of the high-handed (excuse the pun) manner in which the federal government foisted the pot place on the city. After all, it seems only common sense to at least inform the city that it is to be home for one of the first medical marijuana factories in Canada. And, rightly so, the city has concerns with breaking substance barriers on its turf. But, that said, the placement of the factory really shouldn't raise that much of a stink. The amounts of pot that will be produced probably don't amount to much more than the average grow-op in Queensborough - and this grow-op will be much safer - and legal. Concerns of fire hazards and the usual things that go with grow-ops really shouldn't apply with this one. It would be foolhardy for the operators to take a risk with safety and security. This pot factory will be under more scrutiny than many businesses in the city. The federal government has bought the argument (and rightly so) that pot can be of great medicinal use for many people suffering from different illnesses. While we expect a little huffing and puffing about the decision, frankly, energies could be better spent on other issues. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom