MMJ: Growing Pains

My neighbor is growing indoors now in an unsealed garage. Last season when he moved in he had about 30-40 pots outdoors. Outdoors is not allowed in my city. At harvest time, it stunk up the place. When I brought it to his attention, he said, “Oh you can smell it? Well, I can grow 99 plants!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the flower, but I don’t think his commercial production is appropriate in a residential neighborhood. His attitude is a problem. It’s not all weed and roses for everyone. Thoughts? – GT

Your neighbor is breaking the first rules of gray-market activity, which is to be low-key and keep your karma clean. Growing large amounts of weed in a residential area requires subtlety and discretion, and your neighbor seems to possess neither. As to his “I can grow 99 plants!” boast, he may be under the false assumption that since he paid extra for his letter of recommendation from the medical cannabis doctor, he can do what he wants with impunity. However, a letter from the doctor only allows him an “affirmative defense” if he were to be arrested, meaning that he would have to prove (in court, under oath) that he actually needed pounds and pounds of weed for his medical condition. And: just because he has a letter that says he can grow 99 plants, it doesn’t mean he can ignore local rules and regulations. The odds are not in his favor.

As to the smell of weed during harvest time: I am of the opinion that folks should just put up with it. It smells like weed for a few weeks. However, I really like the smell of weed (it smells like victory and activism), but I understand most folks don’t share my feelings.

So, what to do? You can call the California Bureau of Cannabis Control and complain. People with large obnoxious grows get busted all the time mostly because their neighbors get fed up with their carelessness and braggadocio. You could call local code enforcement and they’d probably show up and shut him down. The process is anonymous, but no one likes a snitch.

There may be another option. Gov. Gavin Newsom just announced he is sending troops into northern Cali to crack down on illegal grows. Maybe you could casually mention to him that the governor is cracking down on unpermitted grows and that he should double check to make sure he is operating legally. Good luck.