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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom