Windfall of Cannabis Legalization: Major Cannabis Bust in MA

This morning over 500 plants were seized in MA as a home owner was found with a major cannabis operation in his home. The fire was not major, the fire department was able to quickly extinguish the fire but the home owner is now under investigation from the police. Massachusetts is one of the 22 states that have a medical cannabis program but this form of operation is illegal in the state. The state is one of the few states that do have home growing provisions under certain qualifications however a home based business operation of this magnitude is not covered what so ever. 
People that take the chance of growing cannabis outside of the legal parameters put themselves at tremendous risk even in states which have adopted legal cannabis programs. One of the biggest issues around cannabis being partially legal is that the taboo is being lifted opening up conversation and media enticing many to attempt to circumvent the law who may not have done so previously. I don't know how long this individual has been growing cannabis however I am a believer that if cannabis was federally legal and privately ran it should be the choice of the homeowner what they do in their home. At this juncture, this person will face major legal charges, his operation estimated at 960 pounds of cannabis and over $2,000,000 in street value.
One of the other issues with this situation is if cannabis was legal their would be much more information and technology surrounding safety of home growing of cannabis. Using proper lighting and ventilation and setting up fireproof grow spaces. Without federal cannabis legalization these sorts of home based businesses will continue to put residents and neighbors at risk of major fires. 
The federal government needs to stop putting people at risk and give up the idea that they can regulate cannabis on the black market. They need to support the initiative and encourage safe businesses practices and use. The general public is at risk without the support of the federal government. 
For more information about the Massachusetts cannabis program see below:
Massachusetts Cannabis Program