Pubdate: Tue, 20 Apr 2004
Source: Business In Vancouver (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 BIV Publications Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.biv.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2458
Section: Other News

SMOKED OUT

SMOKED OUT: Head shops selling pipes and rolling papers, and garden 
suppliers who sell hydroponic equipment, may come under close scrutiny as 
Abbotsford tries to squeeze out marijuana growers.

Mayor Mary Reeves is convening a group of 30 to 40 stakeholders to launch 
an anti-marijuana grow-op task force.

Invitees include members from the Fraser Health Authority, insurance 
companies, real estate agents, banks, fire, police, BC Hydro, other 
municipalities and neighbourhood groups.

Councillor Mark Warawa said new strategies could include examining 
retailers who supply hydroponic supplies to grow ops and shops selling 
pipes, rolling papers and associated paraphernalia to pot smokers.

"It'll be really interesting to see what percentage of their business goes 
to selling a product that is going to be used by grow-ops," he said.

"I'm not talking about good retailers. I'm talking about retailers, if 
their product is being sold for illegal operations, we need to get those 
retailers on side, to do due diligence," Warawa explained.

Warawa said shops that sell pipes and papers flaunt Canadian laws.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart