Pubdate: Mon, 04 Dec 2017
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Jonathan Denis
Page: A14

MARIJUANA GROW-OPS DESTROY HOMES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS

Re: Alberta betting on marijuana boom, Opinion, Nov. 28

I read with interest Gillian Steward's column about the cannabis
industry in Alberta. I write to clarify some of her comments.

Residential marijuana grow-ops have destroyed houses and injured
neighbourhoods. When I had the privilege of serving in office, we
sought to address this issue with a task force that focused on what
could be done from a provincial level. One of the frequent comments we
heard was that the decriminalization of cannabis, a federal issue,
would decrease the incentives for such activities.

The Canadian Cannabis Chamber continues to be concerned about the
issue of residential grow-ops.

The chamber looks forward to working with governments and the legal
cannabis industry to establish a framework that provides a safe,
regulated system for cannabis cultivation that avoids the negative
consequences these operations have had on local communities.

Jonathan Denis, former minister of justice and solicitor general of
Alberta; adviser to the Canadian Cannabis Chamber
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MAP posted-by: Matt