WHEREAS special equipment is increasingly used to grow marijuana indoors such as timers, nutrients, advanced hydroponics systems, and high voltage light bulbs and generators, which is reflected in a 50 increase in hydroponics stores in British Columbia since the year 2000; AND WHEREAS children are present in at least 21 of indoor marijuana grow operations, which contain at least one harmful circumstance or hazard such as weapons, booby traps, explosives, chemicals, other drugs and fire, and this is a particular concern given that indoor marijuana grow operations are 24 times more likely to catch fire than residences: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to restrict the sale of the special equipment being used to grow marijuana indoors and require that those businesses choosing to sell the specialized equipment associated with marijuana grow operations be required to keep track of their customers and submit records of all transactions to the police authority that has jurisdiction in the local government, similar to persons engaged in the business activity of purchasing or taking in barter or receiving used or second-hand goods.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Local municipal councils that implemented The Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers by-law in effect caused the reporting of most pawnbroker property transactions through a computer based system Xtract. This mechanism provides police with useful information such as the identity of those individuals pawning property. Implementing a similar system for hydroponic equipment and supplies requires careful consideration of its implications for all businesses province wide. Further research needs to be done before government moves forward. A critical component of British Columbias strategic direction to curtail indoor marijuana grow operations will continue to be ongoing feedback from police, community and business partners.