FCABC echoes call to regulate medical grow operations
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC), 10-21-09

October 14, 2009 - In light of the denial of support from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for the regulation of Medical Marijuana Grow Operations, the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC (FCABC) remains concerned over the health, safety and welfare of the public and firefighters who unsuspectingly and increasingly come in contact with the dangers associated with these operations.

There is evidence that these Medical Marijuana Grow Operations represent the same threat to public safety as illegal ones. "There is no intent implied to restrict access to medical marijuana," says Stephen Gamble, FCABC President "but merely to regulate the electrical, mechanical and structural modifications to a residential or commercial building to ensure the safety of licensed growers, the public and first responders."

Growing marijuana indoors - legally or not - tends to result in health, fire and safety hazards related to electrical system modifications, structural changes and excessive moisture. "License holders are often changing the use of buildings without the necessary permits or inspections and Health Canada has no procedures in place to inform any local government about the issuance of a Marijuana Medical Access Regulations license in their community", adds Gamble, "this means that local governments have no knowledge about such operations so as to take action to ensure these sites meet all necessary building, fire and electrical safety regulations and, just as importantly, are remediated after the license expires."

© 2010 H.U.M.A.N.: Hemp Users Medical Access Network - Toronto Medical Marijuana