ONLY WAY TO FIX GROW-OP MESS

Re: Cops, firefighters seek training for grow-op traps, June 6

Rather than going through the long and costly process of retraining
First Responders for dealing with the reported perils of clandestine
grow-ops, perhaps we should consider the comparatively simple solution
of eliminating the problem in one fell swoop.

The dangers surrounding marijuana grow-ops (fires from illegal wiring,
pathogens from poor ventilation/plant overcrowding, booby traps, etc.)
can all be attributed to the efforts growers must take to hide them.
The obvious solution to this problem is the legalization of
small-scale cannabis cultivation for personal use.

Instead of stories of fires, mould infestations, booby traps and gang
wars, we'd see Weekend Living features on energy-efficient,
CSA-approved grow lighting, high-tech ventilation systems and
neighbourhood garden tours.

You don't have to use marijuana or even approve of its use to reason
that marijuana prohibition causes a lot more and much bigger harm than
it does good. The sooner we come to this realization, the sooner we
stop putting our cops, firefighters and communities at risk.

Matt Joly

Toronto