MAPLE RIDGE POT DISPENSARY GROWS TO 200 MEMBERS

Maple Ridge's first medicinal marijuana dispensary opened on 224th
Street in a renovated single family home in May, much to the surprise
and chagrin of local politicians and area residents.

According to a municipal staff report, the "sudden appearance" of the
compassion club caused "great concern in this municipality," but
notes that because it's run by a non-profit society, the district
can't enforce its business licence bylaw.

All members of the Taggs Medical Cannabis Dispensary must have
documentation from Health Canada or a registered physician to buy marijuana.

Since May, the dispensary, operated by The Always Growing Green
Society, has gone from close to 40 members to more than 200.

"It demonstrates that there is a need for this in Maple Ridge," said
Michael Joinson, the society's president.

The dispensary was just the seventh in B.C. when it opened.

"At first everyone was a bit shocked [when we opened]," said Kim
Baird, the dispensary's manager. "But now that they understand what
we're all about, I think everyone has been much more supportive."

To help improve its relationship with the community, Taggs has taken
part in a community safety committee, and is a safe house for anyone
in distress. The dispensary also takes part in a neighbourhood watch
program, and employees report suspicious activity to the police.

"We're trying to get the drug dealers out of this area," said Baird.

Ridge Meadows RCMP visited the dispensary when it opened May 4 to see
if it complied with municipal zoning bylaws

"They are actually one of our biggest supporters," said Baird. "As
long as we obey our code of conduct, and obey the law, then they
don't have a problem."

Baird said the dispensary recently revoked the memberships of two
individuals after complaints they were re-selling the marijuana they
acquired from Taggs.

"They are jeopardizing the people who need this medicine," she said.
"Many of our members are in their 70s and 80s."

There have been no break-in attempts at the dispensary, as the
inventory of marijuana is kept off site.

"We only keep what we need for that day," said Joinson.

The building has also been equipped with bars, alarms, and cameras.

With the growth in members, Taggs hopes to expand in the new year.
Joinson said he would like to add a "healing house" with massage
therapy, reflexology and counselling at affordable prices for members

"The Vancouver Compassion Club already offers that, so we'd like to
do something similar," he said.