HOMEGROW OPERATIONS ARE A SIGN OF THE TIMES

This marks the second week in a row that homegrow operations have been
found in Woolwich township.

The first came in Elmira, when cops raided a home on Falcon Drive. They
seized 262 marijuana plants, and arrested Son Pham. He was charged with
production of a controlled substance, possession for trafficking and theft
of hydro.

And, this Tuesday, a home in St. Jacobs went through the same drill.

Police discovered 541 marijuana plants, worth $500,000, in a home on Water
Street.

This has shocked some people, but it probably shouldn't.

We all know that marijuana use is a reality in this area. We have seen
charges laid at the local high school, and almost anyone can tell you the
name of at least one person who uses this illicit drug.

The fact is, these homegrow operations are a reality, and will remain a
reality, as long as there is a demand for marijuana in this community.

Local politicians have tried to address this issue, by asking the province
(and judges) to impose stiffer sentences for homegrow operations. Since
politicians are not supposed to influence judges, this move has backfired.

Still, it behooves us to think about what can be done to get rid of this
dangerous problem -- dangerous because it not only provides an addictive,
illegal drug to the community, but because those who operate these homegrow
operations are bypassing hydro connections, causing a greater risk of fire.
They are also costing us money, through the theft of electricity.

Marijuana use is a problem in this community -- of that I have no doubt.

And, I believe that part of this problem stems from the fact that today's
society has very lax attitudes towards the problem of alcohol abuse.

Many parents look the other way when their children start to use alcohol;
they do not want the confrontation, and feel that this is simply part of
growing up.

That might be, but I am concerned about how willing we are to accept
"partying" as a normal part of everyday life. If a person does not get
drunk at least once a year, many feel something is wrong. During the teen
years, drinking often has just one objective -- to get hammered.

When a teen is experimenting with alcohol, he might find it difficult to
understand society's acceptance and tolerance of alcohol, but its
abhorrence of marijuana.

After all, both have similar effects: they give you a buzz, lower your
inhibitions, and let you forget your worries for awhile. Marijuana, like
alcohol, also tends to make you lose your ability to think clearly, and
takes away your sense of responsibility, as well as your motivation to get
things done.

Alcohol is permitted in today's society, but marijuana is not.

Adding to the confusion is the legislation that allows marijuana to be used
for medical purposes. Those who have a prescription from their doctor can
use the drug. The problem is, they cannot purchase it -- not without
getting into trouble, that is.

These mixed messages that we are sending are some of the reasons marijuana
use proliferates, and explain why more and more homegrow operations are in
existence.

Probably, as you are reading this, another operation is setting up
somewhere in this community, to replace the operation that was destroyed in
St. Jacobs.

After all, this is a business -- a very lucrative one.

The only way these operations will be put out of business is to remove the
market. Not an easy task, mind you, but one on which we should be focussing
our attentions.

I urge parents to start talking to their children about alcohol and drug
use. Find out what is going on in your own home, and examine your own
attitudes towards alcohol and drugs.

Never underestimate your ability to have an influence on your children. I
believe that teens really want to know that their parents care about them
and are interested in their lives.

Show them that you do care, and you might be surprised at the results.

The other end of the problem, of course, are the addictions that many
people endure, both with alcohol and drugs. It is important that we search
for more ways to help the alcoholic and the drug addict, to help them reach
the point in their lives where they do not need a "fix" to get through the day.

If we eliminate the market, we will eliminate the problem.

I believe continued enforcement of laws against growing and selling
marijuana (and other drugs) are important.

However, if the risk of getting caught is minimal, and the reward is great,
homegrow operations are going to continue to be a problem.

Let's do what we can to make sure this problem becomes a thing of the past
- -- not one that rules our future.