Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jul 2013
Source: Port Colborne Leader (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Metroland
Contact:  http://www.niagarathisweek.com/portcolborne-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5463
Author: Luke Edwards

NEW MEDICAL GROW OP REGULATIONS DRAW CONCERN

The development of a medical marijuana farm in Port Colborne has
created confusion and concern from residents and council.

With new regulations from Health Canada coming into effect in 2014,
council recently asked city staff to look into what the regulations
will mean for local municipalities. A report came back to council on
Monday, outlining some of the plans from Health Canada.

"I think it's really important to be on top of the situation and facts
as they unfold," said Ward 4 Coun. Barb Butters.

A medical marijuana farm has begun operation in her ward, on Pinecrest
Road, and she was recently approached with concerns over the farm and
its future. Currently, the farm only allows growing for personal use
from people who are licensed to use medical marijuana. Health Canada
is planning on moving away from that model, towards a more commercial
model.

Craig Ferguson, who runs the farm, said he isn't doing anything wrong
and that he's had local police and fire services in to ensure
everything is safe and secure.

"The stuff I'm doing, it's nothing to hurt the town," he said. "I'm
here to defend myself, we're not really doing anything wrong."

Ferguson said he might go commercial next year when the new
regulations come into effect, but will go through the proper licensing
channels. The plants are currently grown in a greenhouse on the farm,
and in a commercial setting he said he might build a second greenhouse
at the back of the property. Either way, he said all plants will be
grown indoors.

Sara Lauer, media relations officer with Health Canada, said only
indoor growing - but not in a private dwelling - will be allowed under
the new regulations.

"This would reduce the risks of diversion posed by outdoor production
and the health and safety risks associated with producing marihuana in
a private dwelling," she said in an email.

There is also a litany of security measurements that will be required
under the new regulations.

Director of planning and development Dan Aquilina said it's not yet
clear what role, if any, municipalities would have in licensing
commercial farms. He did say it appears as though any proposals have
to conform to local zoning bylaws, which could be a way for
municipalities to control where farms go.

For more information on medical marijuana farms and the new
regulations, visit the Health Canada website, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
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MAP posted-by: Matt