A British Columbia man suffering from a liver disorder and other chronic disorders has been given a licence to grow up to 292 marijuana plants for personal use.
Many marijuana advocates feel this allowance for people in pain to grow their own marijuana is a long time in coming.
The licence also allows this BC man to grow enough marijuana for two other people who suffer legitimate ailments as well. Supplying others with marijuana is one issue where it gets sticky.
The issue one should realize is that with all drugs there has to be some quality control and quality assurances. Pharmaceutical companies must abide by these rules, so should the licenced marijuana grower practice Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Drugs are drugs (Pharmaceutical) are drugs (Marijuana), no difference should be made between mainstream drugs such as Aspirin, Zocor, Altace etc.. or marijuana.
Potency must be consistent and controlled between batches of drugs, including how and when to take it, along with warning labels such as mixing drugs and alcohol or other medication,including poison control. Marijuana growers it seems may not have to fall under this rule, but should.
Another issue would fall under the auspices of Health Canada, Agriculture Canada and Environment Canada in regards to pesticide and other chemical use in growing marijuana. These laws not only protect the consumer, but the crops and the environment as well.
Pesticides are known to cause cancer and unless the marijuana grower is experienced and licenced to apply the proper amount of cancer causing carcinogenic chemicals to his soils (in order to kill any host of vermin, fungus and insect eggs) the grower leaves himself open to fines.
Liberal use of applying chemical agents, by the untrained person cannot only harm or kill people, flora and fauna, but cause irrepreable environmental harm to the water table beneath the marijuana plants, traveling far distances to neighbouring properties.
Natural underground water tables are shared amongst neighbouring water wells in rural communities, sometimes for miles. Imagine if you will, you are a neighbour with a farm or home and all of a sudden find your family or livestock are sick and testing reveals your drinking water is poisoned due to a marijuana grow operator next door.
Farmers as well have to abide by agricultural laws when it comes to farming and pesticide or chemical use. It is not clear if the marijuana grower will also full under Agriculture Canada regulations.
Another issue at hand is the Marijuana grower may make foodstuffs laced with marijuana, which is okay, but unfortunately if he passes these out to ill friends, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may have a problem with this.
Why? If the person who consumes the marijuana laced product is contaminanted (Fecal, e-coli from fertilizer or Salmonella) becomes ill and it is traced back to the marijuana grower, a lawsuit and criminal charges by CFIA under the HACCP laws could ensue.
Criminal elements in the surrounding area would soon learn of this marijuana growers location, this is a given. Will the marijuana grower arm himself to protect his crop? Will the lives of his family and the lives of the surrounding neighbours be in danger? Of course!
Some marijuana advocates say, Grow your marijuana indoors, thus hiding your crop from prying eyes. HMMMM, certainly not a marijuana advocates' brightest moment! This story explains why this is not a good idea, especially if you have children living in your home as your local child protective services, House Insurance, Banker (Mortgage company) Fire Marshall, Police, Hydro, Health Canada and other agencies will be down on you like a herd of turds.
The issue many Grow operators who may wish to do this on a large scale indoors face problems such as running 3-phase circuits, adding transformers etc to power large numbers of high pressure sodium lamps in homes not set up electrically to handle these increased loads. Certainly a number of concerns begin when non electricians trying to do these wiring modifications, get electrocuted or a fire breaks out which damages your property and surrounding property, not to mention any fatalities that may develop.
A Grow operator without hands or terribly disfigured hands makes a pretty poor farmer. Trust me, the smell of burnt flesh is not pleasing.
Thus, the reason why any licenced Grow operator must use a greenhouse and not grow indoors.
The above are only a small example of challenges this Grow operator would face.
Environmental, Agricultural, Health and Criminal lawsuits could rear their ugly head.
Now tell me, who would be responsible for paying any or all of the above environmental damages, human health damages, not to mention and shoot outs with the criminal element resulting from a lawsuit by the well meaning marijuana grower?
There is a saying you cannot get blood from a stone, but ignorance of the law is no excuse when due diligence lies with you and someone has to pay.
When people spout non sensical babbling that marijuana is a victimless crime, certainly need to give their head a shake.
Agree with me or not, these are just a few issues one will have to face as a marijuana grow operator.
Note: (The authour had previously worked for all the Federal government agencies listed in this column and is now a Environmental Consultant in British Columbia, specializing in Environmental Health).
Comments
Excellent story, Barry! As usual. You raise interesting an valid environmental and legal issues.
Great story Barry! Thanks for the info! You raise many issues that most of us have never even considered. Things aren't always as simple as they sound, are they?
"Liberal use of applying chemical agents, by the untrained person cannot only harm or kill people, flora and fauna, but cause irreparable environmental harm to the water table beneath the marijuana plants, traveling far distances to neighboring properties. "
Marijuana for medical use will be an issue in the future, if it isn't already. I have to conform to all environmental laws on my land and so should others. In regard to your issue on wells, in our neighbourhood we are served by an underwater River, which supplies at least 7 families I am aware of. This is a real issue and another reason to test well water annually at least. Fortunately testing in Alberta is free.
Another excellent article Barry, which outlines the downside of uncontrolled grow operations.
barely readable blog post. especially for someone who has worked for the federal government. streamlined regulation is best. marijuana is not a drug it is a plant. do u want to regulate all gardens? of course you do. you like federal jobs. and jobs that tell people how to navigate regulations like your's.
Legalize now, it will take time to train the new growers and market! We are only wasting time, and risking everything listed above!
Thank you all for your comments, in regards to Matts comment, contrary to what you believe in your reality, most drugs are plants (derivatives)
My mother always said, never argue with the mentally deficient, cause you will never win, so Matt,you win!
Dan, I agree with your assessment that training on proper growing safely is one answer, especially if one will be supplying fellow sufferers.
Marijuana should only be legal if you are a pharmaceutical company, everyone else involved is a criminal. Fact. End of discussion.
This is a poorly written article. It is obvious the author lacks the skills necessary to write for any publication. His attempts to veil his opposition to marijuana and write something even close to objective fail miserably. If the author did the tiniest bit of research, he would find the majority of the most successful cannabis farmers avoid using chemicals altogether, preferring organic methods of cultivation. The kudos from other posters prove ignorance is widespread, and that's a shame.
The Examiner is notorious for biased opinions in their articles, especially when it comes to the marijuana debate. If I can spot that, then anyone can. If you guys (Examiner) want to be taken seriously, then you start doing research, and checking your facts. Every person in the comment section blows your story out of the water because it's obvious you have an agenda, and propagate old political ideas---not science.
Just so that it is said for this article, Organic growers are the mainstream for professional herb crops. If the herb is grown cheaply with harmful man made chems, then the bud crackles when smoked. This is commanly refered to as the snickle fritz. Smokers dont like it and wont return business to bad growers so the evolution of the marijuana crop is solving this problem on its own. Please do research before trying to push things in any direction
You just won't quit with the growopaganda will you Barry? You know nothing about legal medical marijuana growing. Let me repeat: If a home is blacklisted for a legal marijuana grow be aware that the realtor, the agency, and the board has the very real possibility of facing a human rights complaint for discrimination.
And Barry, insulting someone who points out you are wrong says a lot more about you than it does about them. Darryl Plecas is paid by the RCMP to push out this same tripe; wonder who is paying you?
Quote: "Pesticides are known to cause cancer and unless the marijuana grower is experienced and licenced to apply the proper amount of cancer causing carcinogenic chemicals to his crops (in order to kill any host of vermin, fungus and insects) the grower leaves himself open to fines" Why is this said???
Marijuana (Cannabis) is the Female Hemp plant, which is one of the best plants to grow for the the planet as it does not require any pesticides that harm the planet... Pests are not attracted to Hemp (of either gender)
Hey BCBUD, the man never said pests were attracted to hemp, pest and crap are attracted to the soil its growing in.
I am sure Berry is referring to indoor growers,cause trying to grow this crap indoors sucks ass.
Hey Bluz whose agenda you trying to push? Norml?
Legalize it, control the market, access, purity and who buys, sells, or grows it.
That's what any true conservative thinker would understand from his extensive knowledge of economics and the problem when creating black markets for highly desired goods. F'n Hippocrites.
Speaking of lawsuits, here's what Federal Court of Appeal says about the so-called "dangers" of indoor growing and the government's response to it:
Canada (Attorney General) v. Sfetkopoulos, 2008 FCA 328 (CanLII)
"Deputy Judge Strayer’s judgment was rendered in January of this year, that is, ten months ago; and the options available to the Crown to bring the regulatory scheme into compliance with the Charter, without jeopardizing competing policy objectives, are neither unclear nor particularly complicated."
---
The Conservative government seems to be taking their time addressing this so-called "problem." Perhaps because there is no problem, except in the eyes of someone like Barry who makes money off of hyping the "problem" of indoor growing?
Food for thought.
Legalize, Regulate and Educate... if it was legal jonny law it would cut down our crime rate by 50% .. law enforcement wastes time and ta x dollars hunting down peaceful hard working people that choose Cannabis as a medication, or alternative to alcohol that is far more harmful.. most growers DON'T USE CHEMICAL to grow.. organic gardening is done far more! so your insistence on making is sound all seedy, dirty and condemnable.. is just a lie! No one in the history of time has died from Cannabis, statistically people die every day from alcohol and pharmaceutical drugs, but they get kick backs and the government taxes. I would NEVER want a big pharma company to have the rights to this plant it would totally destroy the natural harmlessness of it..cus for sure they would add something to it to make it addictive JUST LIKE CIGARETTES! another harmful drug they tax just for you! so big pharma can make more money off ya when your sick with cancer! it's all about the dollar!
Thank you to each and everyone of you for your comments, though I have never stated here I am against medical marijuana, some feel I am.
My stance is to safeguard the health of anyone who attempts to grow it themselves.
I also briefly explain one needs to know all the facts when growing large scale plants, as we live in a "lawsuit at the drop of a hat province"British Columbia, this is a reality some growers may face from environmental groups or government agencies.
This is true for even the ordinary farmer who grows soybeans or any other consumable. Damage the soil or water table, poison someone, etc a lawsuit could ensue if it affects others.
In a perfect world organic farming without chemical treatments of the soil would be great, but not everyone lives under ideal conditions.
So for those here who prefer to be critical towards my story without understanding the facts,well more power to you, just ensure you have a healthy bank account when a Lawsuit comes a call
Tamarijuana your statement to Legalize, Regulate and Educate... if it was legal jonny law it would cut down our crime rate by 50%. My response is really?
Cigarettes, alcohol though taxable are legal and perhaps rival marijuana when it comes to smuggling and crime. That's a fact!
Criminals will always find something illegal to monopolize,including using violence to get it.
A criminal cares not you use it for medical use, you have it, they want it, and customers need it, all for a profit.
Check how many grow ripoffs that happen in BC and tell me if marijuana were legal would this Grow Rip off and violence stop? Not likely, there are many who prefer to steal than grow it themselves.
It matters not if it is legal in Canada, when there are willing buyers in the USA. So criminals will always have a ready market.
So perhaps, Tamarjuana your real issue is the impending taxes one would have to pay if marijuana were legal.
So it seems more a tax issue with you, how in
It is not like man-made drug manufacturing!! It is a plant for God's sake. It is a weed, you don't need high tech things to grow a non toxic weed.
Most drugs are plants? What the hell are you talking about. Most drugs are man made molecules with patents. Name 1 prescription drug that is a raw plant. Marijuana is safer than asprin, and you don't need a prescription for asprin.
I agree whole heartedly to the points you presented in this article. Quality control is important, and we meet all the manufacturing aspects. Potency levels are controlled and measured regularly in our lab. All of our products are lableled with a list of ingredients. We do not use any pesticides at all in our growing process and do not grow in soil but in water culture eliminating alot of the issues. We have developed our own fertilizers eliminating any harm on the environment. Food products will pass the canadian food and drug if need be. We recomend that all house growing should be avoided. Our buildings are self contained away from family and kids. With high security measures eliminating the danger and meeting the provincial and federal regulations. If anybody has any other questions or comments regarding our operation feel free to contact me at sam@newagemedicalsolutions.com regards Sam Mellace
Mike, trust me, most drugs come from plant derivatives,salicin from a willow is an ingredient in aspirin, much like THC from marijuana. You really need to stop rambling and comment untruths.
Sam Mellace, thanks for the info and the link.
Nothing but vermin involved in the California and Canadian marijuana grower MAFIAS. Its all about stealing money from the pockets of the weak and poor. DEA is now forcing dispensary owners to disclose the names of the illegal growers in Humboldt! It will all be over soon criminals.
I agree whole heartedly to the points you presented in this article. Quality control is important, and we meet all the manufacturing aspects. Potency levels are controlled and measured regularly in our lab. All of our products are lableled with a list of ingredients. We do not use any pesticides at all in our growing process and do not grow in soil but in water culture eliminating alot of the issues. We have developed our own fertilizers eliminating any harm on the environment. Food products will pass the canadian food and drug if need be. We recomend that all house growing should be avoided. Our buildings are self contained away from family and kids. With high security measures eliminating the danger and meeting the provincial and federal regulations. If anybody has any other questions or comments regarding our operation feel free to contact me at sam@newagemedicalsolutions.com regards Sam Mellace
Johny Law, Four states have Marijuana legalization measuers either proposed or already on the ballot. Not medical marijuana, marijuana for personal use. If I were you I'd start updating my resume. No offense mind you, but you are a dinosaur, dude, and here comes the comet.
I find it quite interesting to read the comments of all the marijuana supporters. A writer gives his take on the complications one can run into, when not grown with care and even his writing skills are attacked.
Are we that short sighted that we are unable to take in someones critical reminders of what can happen to uncontrolled grow operations? I for one, thought this article was well written and laid out some of the pitfalls of uncontrolled growing.
Since Barry has been somewhat involved in the aftermath, I thank him for his advice and would certainly think twice before buying a home and have it properly inspected. Thank you for this article Barry.
Mike says:
Most drugs are plants? What the hell are you talking about. Most drugs are man made molecules with patents. Name 1 prescription drug that is a raw plant. Marijuana is safer than asprin, and you don't need a prescription for asprin.
Canuck says:
Gee Mike, thats what the poppy and cocaine growers have been saying all along.
Mike are you that stupid or have you been smoking way too much dope, guess that's why they call it that!
What a moron
I like this story, a lot of good insights a lot of us are not aware of. As a firefighter we have seen more than a few indoor grow ops and the aftermath, both to the home and neighbouring properties.
Why do people use pesticides on Cannabis anyway? The Cannabis plant is pretty immune to any bugs or pest-This is another reason it is far superior to Cotton, other than better fiber and takes about 60% less water to grow.
What about all the people that grow their own vegetables and crap? They are doing the same thing to the environment-Dumping all kinds of chemicals. Why are you not complaining about that? Why is it that Marijuana gets all the questions that should apply to everything. If its legal what about people driving they say-What about Alcohol? How will people know what they are smoking they say. No one even knows what in the hell we eat from everyday places. The water bottles that we drink out of contain poison. Just legalize this plant.
Canuck says:
I like this story, a lot of good insights a lot of us are not aware of. As a firefighter we have seen more than a few indoor grow ops and the aftermath, both to the home and neighbouring properties.
Doug from Alberta says:
Then would you agree that in a legal environment all this aftermath you see would not happen , because it would be grown in greenhouses , and would not be worth much more than tomatoes , which by the way I do not see anybody shooting anybody else over them.
The issues that arise in the article are directly attributable to the inclusion of cannabis in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; ideally, cannabis should fall under provincial jurisdiction like alcohol and be regulated and taxed accordingly.
Under such a rescission Secured Designated Grow Areas could be apportioned out for a fee and Home Standards Inspections could entail working with the homeowner or tenant in order to maintain appraisals, code (standards), guidelines and limits.
But until that happens legitimate medicinal users will face all the ramifications of the CDSA inclusion; specifically that which gives rise to concerns regarding the risk-inflated value of the commodity being proscribed.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) supports ending the prohibition of drugs in general and cannabis in particular.
True as that may be Doug, there is a ready market in the USA and other areas in the world Criminals sell to. If there is a will there is a way.
My time in attending so many of these drug busts, after evidence is collected is mind boggling. For the naysayers who state pesticides, insecticide chemicals etc are never used indoor and outdoor Grow ops, perhaps have their own preferred growing methods. I only report the facts I witness. As much as I would love to include photos, by law, I cannot. One aspect that escapes many here is growing large scale operations of marijuana indoors results in dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide, favoured methods to get the plants to grow faster. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide levels are dangerous if regular air exchanges are not maintained. Grow operators are reluctant to do this,homes become toxic to the occupants & children. Those who comment negatively, I say what you will, but the fact remains, until you have seen it, you can't comment.
Yes Barry I agree with you that indoor grow ops are a problem and need to be delt with , but it is never going to stop so would not the wise choice to be is regulate it so we have control over it ? I believe within the next few years we are going to see some states probably California go to a legal system and we need to start looking at a system that can work for us also.
"Imagine if you will, you are a neighbour with a farm or home and all of a sudden find your family or livestock are sick and testing reveals your drinking water is poisoned due to a marijuana grow operator next door."
I love the scare tactics, now the conservatives will all want to shut down the farms next or anyone with a vegitable garden...
Oh my god run for your lives!! The neighbors are growing carrots and tomatoes again!!
And what about the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and geting sued for e-coli? Funny thats never a concern at the church bake sale. Thank goodness grandma wasnt as paranoid as you Barry.
I have seen 1st hand the fire danger that follows with having a kitchen in your home!! How many fires per year are started in Canada from owning a kitchen? Maybe the public shouldnt have access to kitchens?
Oh and the danger family and community from "shoot outs", run for your lives folks there is marijuana being grown in your community!!!
"When people spout non sensical babbling that marijuana is a victimless crime, certainly need to give their head a shake."
No Barry as a long time grower myself, when people start spouting non sensical babble that growing a vital natural renewable plant is some how going to contaminate your water. Burn not just your home down but the neighbors homes down also. Then create a mafia style shoot out in your backyard..
Its not the marijuana that should scare people.. its articles written like this just to scare people that should concern us.
Sam Mellace's hydroponic growing facilities is one of the nicest in the world, Canada is lucky to have it.. Check out the NatGeo documentary featuring it.. When you see it you will realize how rediculous it is that his neighbors could or would have anything to fear.
Never in this story have I raised an issue against anyone smoking weed.
My story is about the health dangers of growing it indoors, especially around young children.
I also educate those who wish to grow it & share it amongst others with ailments. If for some reason the drug is shared with others,legal issues could result if that person became sick from it and sued you. All Medicines have government Regs.
Sam Mellance's organization seems to follow the letter of the law, you are not! This story is for you, not Sam!
Growing it and drying it indoors is not COOL for your health! Sam agrees!
Many armchair electricians end up burning down their home, or a rental home, good luck anyone, including your landlord trying to collect home insurance. He will sue you. How selfish of You!
Throwing derogatory comments,not reading my article & you wonder why governments want it illegal when it is YOU GROWING IT without thinking of the consequences?
Typical of you isn't it!
Growing marijuana is no more inherently dangerous than growing african violets. If it were legal then maybe more growers would hire electricians. In fact it could be a bylaw that homes drawing excess amounts of power have their grids checked by an electrician. Also, LEDs are gaining in popularity because they don't generate the high heats of the HID lights currently favored by most growers.
With large grows it would be easier to divert amounts into the U.S. market. Outdoor fields can't be held secure without using unacceptable defense methods. I'd like to see a network of small growers who supply friends and family develop. That creates a diverse and competitive marketplace that stimulates local economic development. Larger "micro-breweries" would be great too. I just don't want to see the little guy legislated out of the business for no good reason.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!