Pubdate: Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB)
Copyright: 2014 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471
Author: Jeremy Nolais

MAIL-ORDER WEED SPARKS FEARS FOR POLICE, USERS

Burning need: Users dread rising costs, while cops worry for the
safety of couriers

Police and marijuana advocates are sparking up fears that an expected
increase in mail-order weed could sprout new issues for ailing users -
and new targets for opportunistic criminals.

Health Canada is outlawing home marijuana grows for licensed medicinal
users effective April 1 and it appears unlikely an approved commercial
operation to fill in the gap in product will be up and running by then
- - Calgary police expect to go before city council at some point in
April to talk about proper zoning for such a facility.

The lag between the new rules and localized production of marijuana
will likely force medicinal marijuana users to turn to one of 10
licensed producers elsewhere in Canada and have the drugged delivered
via courier, according to Staff Sgt. Keith Hurley with the Alberta Law
Enforcement Response Teams.

He admits, however, such a supply model comes with
risks.

"I wouldn't want to be the guy driving that truck . . . you've just
got a great, big target painted on your back," he said.

The concern is just the latest in a series from Alberta law
enforcement officials, most of which offer support for the thinking
behind Health Canada's changes - home grow operations are said to pose
health and safety risks - but continually question what Hurley
described as "ad-hoc" communication about the move.

Marijuana users have told Metro previously they plan to continue
quietly growing their own marijuana supply after April 1, stating the
only alternative is to turn to purchasing the drug off the street.

Steve, a Calgary resident who ingests four grams of marijuana a day to
cope with nerve damage in his arm, said costs associated with bringing
in the drug from out of province can mount quickly.

In less than a year, the licensed user racked up a total bill for
marijuana and shipping of $6,900. Comparatively, he believes he could
grow the necessary amount in his home for less than $2,000.

Shipping is also unreliable at times, according to Steve, who said he
filed a formal complaint with Canada Post in December after some of
his marijuana was left in a communal mailbox.

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[sidebar]

Health Canada's response

Health Canada has received more than 450 applications from across the
country for licences to produce medical marijuana commercially.

"Dried marijuana will be securely shipped through a service directly
to the client," the federal health body said in a statement. "Licensed
procures must meet stringent requirements as outlined in the Marijuana
for Medical Purposes Regulations. The regulations do not dictate a
geographic distraction of license holders."
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MAP posted-by: Matt