LEGAL POT HOUSE IN MAPLE RIDGE OPENS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY

Today's open house for Maple Ridge's first legal marijuana dispensary
will be a chance to meet the neighbours.

"We won't be providing any medicine on our first day," said Michael
Johnson, director of Always Growing Green Society.

Sales will begin Tuesday.

Johnson said today's opening is designed to introduce "our neighbours
in the community . . . to our new business," in the 11600-block 224th
Street.

Today's event also will provide an opportunity for patients to sign up
to become members of the first medical-marijuana dispensary in the
district.

All members must have documentation from Health Canada or a registered
physician.

There is no smoking allowed on the premises.

The society will also deliver supplies of medical marijuana to
patients who need the drug and are in hospitals and hospices, as well
as those who are housebound by illness.

There are six medical-marijuana dispensaries in B.C. -- four in
Vancouver and two in Victoria.

"We expect to have a good relationship with the police," said
Johnson.

"None of the other dispensaries in the province has had any legal
troubles and we are following the same strict protocols that they have
established."