HOW NOT TO GROW MARIJUANA

Ten Simple Steps Medicinal-cannabis Patients Can Take To Protect Their Crops

Since the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, Californians have been
permitted by law to grow marijuana for personal medical use. Even though
it has been legal for almost 13 years now, regulations vary from county to
county. In Sacramento, which hasn't established its own rules, patients
are subject to the guidelines set forth by Senate Bill 420, which permits
six mature and 12 immature plants and may possess up to 8 ounces of dried
cannabis.

For patients who grow indoors, six mature plants and 12 immature plants
can take up a significant amount of space. If the patient wants to grow
enough marijuana to last until the next harvest, he or she must grow
bigger plants or have a continuous garden, which can draw unwanted
attention.

I'm talking about thieves. For anyone who creates something of value,
there's always been someone else willing to take it from them. A dismal
fact of human existence, but nevertheless a fact, as evidenced by the rash
of home invasions tied to medical-marijuana cultivation that occurred in
Sacramento this October.

According to The Sacramento Bee, plants were taken by armed gunmen at
three of the residences. At a fourth residence, the occupant interrupted
the gunmen and was fatally wounded.

In short, if you're going to cultivate your own medicine in the city,
you're opening yourself up to an array of problems and risks. Here are
some strategies I've learned over the years that might help patients who
are new know what they're up against.

1. First rule of fight club: Don't talk about fight club!

Don't worry about telling anyone else what you're up to; what they don't
know can't hurt you.

2. If you medicate where you grow, people will know.

When people smell pot burning, it turns heads and labels your domicile a
pot house, plants or not.

3. If you live in an apartment complex, use compact fluorescents.

One way a thief can tell you're growing is to look at your electric meter
or listen for the large fans needed to cool HID lighting. Compact
fluorescents use less than a third of the electricity as HID, and you'll
get almost-as-good results. In addition, because most homes aren't wired
to support high-intensity discharge lights, you lessen the chance of
having a fire.

4. Lights on during the day, lights out at night.

Even though you're a patient and your status is legal, the thermal-imaging
scopes used by law enforcement don't know that. If it can read your heat
signature from a helicopter, that's enough probable cause to come knocking
at your door. (Always have your physician's recommendation within easy
reach for such occasions.) If your room temperature will allow it, always
run your lights during the day, because thermal imaging only works at
night.

5. If you want to do well, cover the smell.

If you cut the smell of the garden, you lower your chances of a rip-off by
at least 50 percent. Do not skimp on the expense, there is no substitute
for carbon filter technology. For under $500, you can purchase a
fan-and-filter combination package at the better indoor gardening stores
in Sacramento.

6. Investigate before you propagate.

Don't move into a neighborhood and start a garden without feeling things
out and getting to know your potential neighbors. Neighborhoods with
teenagers and gangbangers should be avoided. The last thing any sick
person wants is some kid or criminal breaking in and stealing their
medicine.

7. Ask your landlord for permission.

Have some respect for other people's property, they worked hard for it.
You can avoid unwanted visits from the guys in blue by being honest with
your landlord.

8. Do not destroy or damage your dwelling if you rent it.

Water damage can be devastating to a subfloor and a raised foundation,
causing rot and mold problems for the owners to deal with.

9. Do not have parties or gatherings where you are growing.

What is the goal here?

10. Keep a spotless garden, leave no waste on site.

Clean all signs of gardening: nutrients, old bottles, rock wool, stalks,
leaves and anything else thieves can spot as an indicator that you're
cultivating.

Some of these preventative actions go without saying, but better safe than
sorry. Choose your location wisely, be respectful to the environment and
the people around you.

Remember, as a member of the medical-marijuana community, you are
protected in court and have safe access to medication. If you cultivate
your own medication and take certain steps to keep your grow safe from
unwanted visitors, your access will remain secure. As Yoda said, "Do or do
not. There is no try."