A new website and campaign by a real estate board aims to offers advice to B.C. home owners and potential buyers on “safe” and “unsafe” grow homes, and calls for clearer government rules on how to identify unsafe properties.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) announced May 17 the launch of its website, , which sets out the recommendations the board is making to the federal government regarding clarity on marijuana grown in homes. The website also serves as an advice hub for home owners growing cannabis plants at home and the inherent risks, and offers tips to would-be buyers of such homes to identify any problems that may have been caused.
“Right now, there is a significant lack of clarity and information surrounding legal growth in the home – especially in regards to what is considered a healthy, safe standard,” said John Barbisan, FVREB president. “Our government needs to ensure that the public is aware of and has access to guidelines, restrictions, and proper processes so that they can make smart decisions when it comes to cannabis.”
FVREB said that it is calling for the government to:
• further define the requirements for growing cannabis safely in homes (legal maximum is four plants per home);
• create a province-wide system for maintaining and accessing information on the status of illegal grow homes; and
• outline a process whereby unsafe grow homes can be restored to healthy homes.
The website’s sets out the risks that home owners face when growing marijuana plants at home, including potential damp, electrical problems and fire hazards.
In its , FVREB lists warning signs that potential buyers can spot to identify a property that has been used as an unsafe grow home, which could cause problems that are difficult to remediate.
Barbisan added, “Growing cannabis in the home will have a considerable impact on home ownership and the real estate landscape. Through more comprehensive support and policies from government, our clients will be able to feel confident that the home they own or want to buy is safe.”
