Pubdate: Sat, 21 Jan 2012
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2012 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Nadia Moharib

LAST TOKE FOR HOME GROWN POT

CALGARY - The feds want to phase out licensing individuals to grow 
medicinal marijuana in Canadian communities.

Under proposed regulatory changes to the Marihuana Medical Access 
Program, a new supply and distribution system would be established 
using "only licenced commercial producers," which would be the "only 
legal source of dried marihuana."

While it's unclear what exactly changes might look like or when they 
might happen, some claim the current system is flawed.

Many support a move to take legal grow-ops out of residential 
communities, albeit late in the game.

Calgary police arson Det. Ryan Dobson doubts issues, from health to 
safety, which have cropped up will see an easy fix but, he is glad to 
see the feds look at a revamp.

"They've opened up this door. How are they going to close it now?" he 
said. "oeI just finished talking to a lady who requires and is 
permitted to posses who is crying on the phone wondering how she is 
going to get it."

Janice, who asked her last name not be used, said when officials shut 
down a home where individuals were licenced to grow medicinal 
marijuana she lost the only drug that soothes the ravages of multiple 
sclerosis.

"It's the only thing that's worked," she said adding the plant treats 
her depression, anxiety and pain.

She said word the supplier's home was closed forced her to find a way 
to replace the precious plant she relies on to get through the days.

"I will have to go to the streets to buy my drugs," she said. "I 
don't know what I'm going to do. It's a horrible situation -- how do 
I find it, in the Yellow Pages?"

Her dilemma arose after officials closed a government-sanctioned 
grow-op in Calgary this week "" deemed unfit for human habitation "" 
leaving the woman with multiple sclerosis forced to find an 
alternative supplier.

Ryan Dobson, investigating the deadly explosion at another legal grow 
op, recognizes there are casualties to a program which should be better run.

He hopes proposed changes will see more scrutiny of those who get 
licences to ensure they adhere to the rules , meaning people like 
Janice are not caught in the middle when they don't.

"I think the ad hoc nature of allowing these permits from the 
beginning was short-sighted," he said. "And certainly without 
consultation with the communities affected."

Another concern cited by some is legal operations, even if run by the 
book, can attract nefarious types, which appears to be the case with 
the home shut this week.

"I have information this house was under some threat from organized 
crime," Dobson said. "I believe the grower had been approached by 
organized crime and was either pressured or threatened to grow for them."

Health Canada spokesman Gary Holub said changes being drafted will 
ideally "address many concerns" with the current system by everyone 
from citizens to emergency crews.

Taking production out of the hands of "individuals in their homes and 
communities" is aimed at reducing "risk to public health, safety and 
security resulting from such productions.

"Allowing individuals to grow marihuana for themselves has had 
unintended consequences that create risks to public health, safety 
and security," Holub said. "Phasing out production of marihuana for 
medical purposes by individuals in their homes and communities would 
reduce risks."

Sue Stevenson, who has MS, agrees.

She said the program, run properly, is "cherished and valuable," by 
people like her who require pot to ease their pain.

She hopes the latest coverage doesn't make "all legal grow-ops," look 
bad and applauds moves to better regulate those who hold licences and 
see them go from basements to some sort of commercial operations.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom