LEGAL GROW-OP WORRIES PORT HOPE

Toronto Man Answers Questions About Health Canada Marijuana Growing License

PORT HOPE -- Safety seems to be the top concern of Port Hope residents
who live near a proposed legal marijuana grow operation.

At a packed council meeting on Tuesday night, Neev Jacob Tapiero, who
is currently licensed by Health Canada to grow up to 25 marijuana
plants for medical purposes and is now in the process of being
licensed for 25 more, did his best to ease worries related to safety
and security, as well as property values and Port Hope's image as a
place that grows marijuana. Some members of the public remain opposed
to the operation.

"This operation is unwelcome," said Ward 2 resident Judy
Thompson.

She accused Mr. Tapiero of having suspect motives, and added the
operation is something she doesn't want to have to look at every day.

"Your operation is clearly in my view, and I don't like it one
bit."

Mr. Tapiero began the process of obtaining land for the purposes of
growing medical marijuana two years ago. Why he chose Port Hope's
rural area, as opposed to the urban centre where the operation could
be better policed - as suggested my Councillor David Turck - was
largely to do with keeping the operation isolated.

"(Health Canada) require a certain amount of secrecy because they (the
plants) are high value in the black market," Mr. Tapiero explained.
"Anyone from a teen to a hardened criminal will be curious and want to
have access to it."

He said he also chose the location on the advice of municipal staff,
which he claims was aware from day one of his plans for the property.

"I'm Going on My Local Guide's Advice."

Mr. Tapiero was charged last week after police raided his
Toronto-based grow-op, which provides medical marijuana to 3,000
users. Upon questioning from members of council regarding the bust, Mr
Tapiero said is prepared to "vigorously" challenge the charges.

According to Mr. Tapiero, who has been in the medical marijuana
business for 14 years, Health Canada is a stubborn and arrogant
organization with complicated rules that infringe on human rights.
Under current legislation, Health Canada may issue a license to an
individual to grow marijuana for the treatment of certain medical
conditions under the supervision of a physician. It also lays out
strict guidelines on quantities and plant size, and does not allow
commercial production of the plant.

However, legislations change and that's precisely the municipality's
concern.

"The issue is not with the current limited licensing structure," said
Mayor Linda Thompson. "The issue is that a 4,000 square foot building
has been built and the applicant/owner has advised it could handle
growing for up to 400 licenses."

However, Mr. Tapiero said he suspects increased production at his
facility would happen at a snail's pace.

The municipality is currently in contact with Health Canada to learn
more about the legislation and licensing process. However, the
municipality ultimately has no say in the matter.

"My beef probably is with the federal government on this issue," Coun.
Turck said.

To date, more than 3,400 production licences have been issued to grow
medical marijuana across Canada, two-thirds of which are located in
Ontario and B.C. Although the extent of the medicinal value of
cannabis has been disputed, it does have several well-documented
beneficial effects including the amelioration of nausea and vomiting,
and the stimulation of hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients. It is
also said to act as a pain reliever.

The regulation on access to marijuana for medical purposes was
established by Health Canada in 2001.

The OPP are investigating the matter, and the municipality will
continue to monitor the situation.