Photo: Contributed

If you're going to open your doors to the public, best to know what's legal in your garden.

RCMP in Revelstoke are warning residents to know the law if they intend to grow cannabis after an annual tour led to the execution of a search warrant last week, said Cpl. Mike Esson of the Revelstoke RCMP in a release.

On July 28, Revelstoke Local Food Initiative hosted their 7th annual Garden and Art Tour. This event consisted of a self-guided tour, where homeowners opened their gates to display their beautiful gardens and art to the public.  It’s advertised as a fun event for all ages.

An off-duty RCMP officer and a visiting family member saw the posting for this event and decided to take advantage of the tour. 

The officer and his guest were extremely excited to check out some of Revelstoke’s many talented residences.  They purchased tickets, picked up a map and the two started out on the tour. As the tour progressed participants were exposed to blatant violations of Section 56 (g) Cannabis Control and Licensing Act; non-medical Cannabis Plants growing in full view of the public, Esson said.

As a result of observations made during the public tour, a search warrant was executed on a residence on Aug. 2. Police seized marijuana plants and other items to support charges. The file remains under investigation.

"The Cannabis Control and Licensing Act was created to ensure the production, possession and distribution of cannabis would be done in a safe and controlled manner. Unfortunately, the violations of CCLA by some of our residents has brought some negative light to Revelstoke and the Garden and Art tour,” said Esson.

"By not properly growing cannabis plants, the residents have opened themselves up to the possibility of theft of the cannabis and  drugs falling into the hands of  youth in our community.”

Revelstoke RCMP want to remind people that they need to know and follow the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act if they intend to grow cannabis.