Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC) Copyright: 2011, BC Newspaper Group Contact: http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948 Author: Jenn McGarrigle, Nanaimo News Bulletin FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT CHANGES TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM Proposed changes to the federal program enabling access to medical marijuana could enhance the safety of emergency responders and the community. The federal government announced Friday it is considering improvements to the program, including phasing out personal and designated production and introducing a new supply and distribution system for dried marijuana that relies on licensed commercial producers. Ron Lambert, Nanaimo Fire Rescue chief, said at the bare minimum, firefighters have lobbied the government to tell them when a grow operation exists in a private home so crews know of the dangers before they go inside. But phasing out residential operations altogether is even better, he added. "Most of these operations that we see that are under permit don't meet any electrical standard," said Lambert. "When you have these installations that aren't built to any code, the chances of a fire is much higher." And if there is a fire, with the amount of electrical wires, chemicals and building alterations typically found in a private grow-op, the risk to firefighters is significant, he said. "We haven't had any injuries as a result, but certainly the risk is there," he said. "Water and electricity - they don't like each other. From a public safety perspective, we see the legislation as a good thing." Given all the other problems associated with private grow-ops, such as mould and air quality issues, keeping production to commercial facilities is better, said Lambert. "I don't think they belong [in residences] because of the problems they create," he said. "It needs a commercial setting." Mayor John Ruttan said one of the risks of allowing people to produce marijuana privately is that it could lead to overproduction, which means the product could end up used for purposes other than medicinal, including criminal purposes. Commercial operations would be easier to supervise, he added. The proposed changes are intended to reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation by criminal elements and keep children and communities safe. "These proposed improvements reflect concerns we have heard from all kinds of Canadians including law enforcement, fire officials, municipalities, program participants and the medical profession," said Leona Aglukkaq , Minister of Health, in a press release. Other proposed changes include: eliminating the categories of conditions and symptoms to qualify for medical marijuana; submitting a physician's document directly to the commercial grower rather than to Health Canada; and requiring commercial producers to prove compliance with various requirements, including security, product quality and packaging and labelling standards. Commercial producers would only grow indoors, set the price for marijuana and send product only by registered mail or bonded courier. Legalization or decriminalization is not part of the changes and the determination of whether medical marijuana is appropriate would still be made through a discussion between a physician and the patient. Health Canada also proposes to establish an expert advisory committee to improve physician access to comprehensive and up-to-date information on the potential risks and benefits of using marijuana for medical purposes. Canadians are invited to submit comments on the proposed improvements until July 31 at www.hc-sc.gc.ca - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.