GROW YOUR OWN, WIN WAR ON DRUGS

To the editor,

Re: "Marijuana motion a bust," Aug. 18.

I propose all residents of Vancouver do their duty in the so-called war on
drugs and grow eight marijuana plants in their home. Growers could enjoy
the harvest in personal use, gifts to family and friends and contribute to
worthy causes. The Compassion Club comes to mind.

About two years ago, I informed Mayor Philip Owen and Chief Constable Terry
Blythe on three occassions that there were eight marijuana plants in my
home. Not receiving a response, I concluded silence gives consent and
ceased to worry about the legality of my eight plant grow-op.

An eight-plant immunity would eliminate the electrical dangers of illegal
grow-ops, the result of oppressive laws that many Canadians oppose. If
enough citizens do their duty, the market prices for marijuana would be
driven down. This would eliminate the need for large grow-ops and their
resultant huge untaxed profits.

What is needed is clarification about the city's intentions. It is clear
the enforcement strategy of Grow Busters is aimed at those tearing up
interiors, stealing electricity and causing problems for their neighbours.
Simply, will the Vancouver Police Department and Grow Busters shut down an
eight plant grow-op?

Eight plants is an auspicious number. It would be enough for personal use
and a small surplus given the possible three growing cycles per year. The
eight plant immunity, coupled with "grassroots" action, will restore
financial profit as common wealth and allow industrious opportunities.

Vancouver is already famous (infamous?) for the quality of marijuana
produced by an estimated 10,000 illegal grow-ops. It is time for someone at
city hall to show leadership and propose an eight plant immunity. This
would severely ham-string illegal producers and bring an end to the debate
about legalizing marijuana. Think of the time and dollars our citizens,
city council and police force would save with this "home-grown" solution.

Sid Chow Tan,

Vancouver