Pubdate: Wed, 19 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

POLICE OPEN TO TAKING POT FROM PATIENTS

Federal Reforms. Decision on Legal Challenge of Marijuana Laws Coming Friday

If kitty litter and water won't destroy your medical marijuana, 
southern Alberta police appear willing to take the drugs off your 
hands, no questions asked.

Federal reforms loom April 1 that will make illegal all home 
marijuana grow operations. In advance, Health Canada has suggested 
current patients still sitting on a stock of plants and buds turn to 
a mixture of kitty litter and water to properly dispose of their stashes.

But Staff Sgt. Keith Hurley with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response 
Teams said details are also being finalized for a police-initiated 
pot drop-off or pickup for patients hoping to comply with the new regulations.

"If they so choose - they want to have it properly disposed of - they 
can turn it over to the police and there isn't any repercussions on 
them," he said. "We're going to have a grace period, albeit a short one."

Hurley said final details were still being sussed out, but said 
patients would be provided with details ahead of the April 1 changes.

Health Canada has come under fire from marijuana users again in 
recent days after indicating all current patients in the medicinal 
program must submit a signed form by April 30 confirming they have 
ceased any growing of the drug. Those who fail to comply, will be 
reported to police, the federal health body said.

Health Canada has previously refused to disclose the locations of 
home grow operations despite repeated inquiries from Alberta police 
and CIty of Calgary officials.

But some marijuana users appeared bent on continuing to defy 
directions from federal officials.

"Most patients I've heard from - and me personally - won't be sending 
a letter in," said Aaron Bott, who operates Alberta's only marijuana 
dispensary. "That letter, you would be endorsing what Health Canada 
says, which is they don't support medical marijuana."

Hurley admits confusion among municipalities, patients and 
law-enforcement officials has been common in the run up to the April 
1 changes. He said police support getting marijuana out of Alberta 
homes - he noted it can lead to a numerous health issues - and his 
team is merely attempting to assist patients attempting to follow the 
new federal guidelines.

"Our job isn't to turn around and be nailing people come April 1," he 
said. "It's business as usual for us. We respond to public complaints 
. . . if charges are warranted in some cases, then we'll deal with 
that accordingly."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom