Pubdate: Fri, 07 Feb 2014
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Howard Elliott

BRING ON THE MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

There's no reason for premature hand-wringing over news that at least 
a couple of companies are making inquiries about launching legal 
marijuana growing operations to provide medicinal pot to people who 
qualify for it under Health Canada regulations.

New rules will force medical marijuana users to buy cannabis 
exclusively from security-conscious, indoor industrial operations as 
of April. In the past, users could grow their own pot or buy from 
cottage industry producers. That was a recipe for abuse and the new 
model should be a marked improvement.

So, if these legal growing operations are going to exist someplace, 
why not in appropriately secure locations in Hamilton? We have the 
brownfield redevelopment capacity. We're centrally located for 
transport purposes. About the only argument against the idea will 
come from those opposed to medical marijuana use overall, but that 
ship has sailed.

Medicinal marijuana is here to stay. These facilities will need to 
meet rigorous security standards. Only federally licensed users will 
be able to get the product they grow. These producers are private 
businesses that pay taxes. What's not to like?
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom