Pubdate: Tue, 04 Feb 2014
Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.avtimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043
Author: Eric Plummer
Page: Front Page

RCMP SEEK HELP SNIFFING OUT POT

With less than two months until all personal licences to grow 
medicinal marijuana expire, the Port Alberni RCMP are asking 
residents to "sniff out" growing operations in their neighbourhood.

"We are asking you to keep your senses of sight and smell 'on duty,' 
and sniff out marijuana grow-ops that may be present in your 
neighbourhood," read a message from Cpl. Wilma Bolderheij's RCMP 
column in today's edition of the Alberni Valley Times.

The column encourages residents to inform police of any signs of 
marijuana production. A list of indications neighbours can look for 
include the prevalence of a skunk-like odour, windows that are always 
covered, condensation on the inside of windows, the sounds of fans 
whirring inside a residence as well as people coming and going from a 
house at all hours of the day and night. Neighbours are asked to take 
down licence plate numbers of vehicles seen frequenting the site of a 
possible grow-op.

Cpl. Jen Allan cautioned that grow-ops can be dangerous, especially 
in neighbourhoods. She said residents should be careful in how they 
report illegal operations.

"Folks that are concerned about their safety being compromised by 
reporting grow operations or any other criminal activity have the 
option of remaining anonymous throughout the process by calling Crime 
Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS," Allan said.

As of March 31st, all personal use marijuana production licences 
expire in Canada. At this point patients in need of medical pot can 
order from government-approved commercial producers.

Health Canada provides permits to use marijuana to lessen the 
severity of debilitating conditions if more conventional treatments 
are proven to be ineffective. Since 2001 the Marijuana Medical Access 
Program has included offering patients the right to grow medicinal 
pot themselves. Over that time the number of Canadians legally 
growing medicinal marijuana has risen from under 500 to more than 30,000.

There are currently four companies registered with Health Canada to 
produce medicinal pot, none of them located in British Columbia. 
Another 400 applications are pending, including one company based in 
Port Alberni.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom