MEDICINAL GROW OP NOT ACCEPTABLE IN PORT HOPE

Port Hope Council has expressed its strong opposition to a proposed
Ward 2 commercial marijuana grow operation in a press release after
becoming aware of an application by a property owner for a what
councillors say is a large-scale medical marijuana grow operation.

The application was recently submitted to Health Canada.

"The municipality cannot endorse a commercial grow operation in our
community," Mayor Linda Thompson said. "We recognize that Health
Canada may license an individual or designate to grow a minimal
amount of marijuana for the treatment of certain medical conditions,
but our concern is with the potential of a large-scale commercial
growing operation. We are in contact with Health Canada to determine
how our community can intervene in the licensing decision."

Recent developments indicate that the facility is currently
designated as an agricultural building, and could include a legal
grow operation if the proper licensing is issued by the federal
government, Thompson said.

"With the facility now in existence, it's a worry," Thompson said.
"People are concerned about image, safety and security and the
economic values to our community."

The property is owned by Jacob Tapiero, but no one lives on the
property. Tapiero's counsel, Ron Marzel, was in attendance at Tuesday
evening's committee of the whole meeting, and Tapiero is expected to
make himself available at the April 6 council meeting.

"It's not a large-scale operation," Marzel said. "My client is
already licensed to grow 25 plants for a patient with epilepsy, and
now there's also another 25 plants for a patient with HIV."

Under current legislation, Health Canada may issue a licence to an
individual or a designated grower to grow marijuana for the treatment
of certain medical conditions under the supervision of a physician.
The legislation puts strict limits on quantities and plant size and
does not allow commercial production of marijuana, Thompson said,
adding that growers are limited to only three plants per person.

Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock confirmed Health Canada's
regulations.

"The application guidelines with Health Canada would allow for an
individual to grow for personal use, or for up to three (licensed)
users," Norlock said. "Any licence for a legalized grow operation
extends only to an individual, not a company."

Deputy Mayor Jeff Lees said he's upset that people can apply to the
federal government without having to go through the local municipality.

"It's all backwards," he said. "The municipality should have first
right of refusal. The federal government should be asking us if we
want it, not the other way around."

A rumour about the proposed operation came to council's ears on
Friday, Councillor Ted Watts said.

"We didn't know a thing about it," Watts said, adding that he
believes the property is on Jamieson Road. "It's unbelievable that
Health Canada did not have to come to us."

The Ontario Provincial Police are also investigating the matter.

"The OPP is not in support of a grow operation as a business in
Northumberland County and is researching this matter further,"
Inspector Doug Borton said.

Although it appears the property owner has not acted illegally, the
establishment of a commercial grow operation is not reflective of the
vision that council and our residents have for our community, the
Municipality of Port Hope states in a press release issued late
Tuesday afternoon.

Resident Dan Christie claimed the press release was "strongly worded"
and questioned whether the municipality had sought legal counsel
prior to issuing the release, as it appeared that council was
blocking a legitimate business from opening in Port Hope.

"And it says the OPP are investigating," Christie added. "Just who
called the cops?"

Thompson informed Christie that the proponent was the one to call the police.

She added that the municipality will continue to monitor the
situation closely and residents may contact Health Canada for more
information on the licensing legislation and process at
1-866-337-7705 or visit the website at
www.hcsc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/mari-huana/index-eng. php .

"We don't know a lot, and Health Canada is not giving us a lot of
information," Thompson said. "But a commercial operation is not
allowed at this time."

She said council expects a response from Health Canada shortly.