Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jan 2014
Source: Now, The (Surrey, CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n030/a08.html
Author: David Hutchinson

DELTA COUNCIL IS WRONG -- PATIENTS DESERVE SUPPORT IN GETTING POT

The Editor,

Re: "Delta to ban medical marijuana business," the Now, Jan. 9.

It is extremely frustrating to read an article where Delta council 
appears to be attempting to redefine what nature consists of by 
condemning greenhouse growing of medical marijuana as inappropriate.

Health Canada has specifically allowed for the greenhouse growing of 
this crop in its regulations with the understanding that it is the 
healthiest, cheapest and lowest carbon footprint available, given 
that outdoor growing is not permitted.

Furthermore, this medicine should be grown in a safe manner on 
agricultural land away from residential and industrial areas. The 
reason indoor growing became the norm has been due to the illicit 
nature of cannabis and not because it is the preferred growth environment.

Interestingly, Washington State allows for greenhouse growing in its 
legalized programme.

However, it seems this council knows best and we suspect that Delta 
could encounter a legal challenge from someone under the Right to Farm Act.

Furthermore, medical marijuana has a 5,000-year global history and 
patients deserve support to obtain cheap, healthy access to medicine 
in a supportive and safe environment.

Unfortunately, that does not seem to be a priority for this council.

David Hutchinson, Surrey
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom