April 20th seems to be the date of preference.  I stocked up on various indoor gardening supplies beginning about 14 months ago and I've wondered about the crazy things big brother might be thinking...

http://news.yahoo.com/kansas-couple-indoor-gardening-prompted-pot-raid-182449463.html

I blacked out my basement windows long ago :)

Tar paper works great, from the outside can't even tell

All sorts of information on indoor grow security available on rollitup.org.  ;-)

My grow lights are clearly visible from the outside and my shop is not locked.  Why the heck should we have to worry about our government like this?!  Maybe since our Sheriff department has information about me from thefts I've reported of farm equipment, etc. they would be less inclined to come in for a surprise visit like this poor family had...one can hope!

Wait just a second.

This does depend on how corrupt your local police is.  Drug laws are rarely about much that is logical other than as an avenue for society to control members some majority doesn't like (presumably for a silly reason).  The other main reason is that it's a great way for local police to seize assets for their own profit (or posture about being tough drug warriors).  

I'm saying all this because the Fourth Amendment is effectively dead letter, and police have wide latitude to act on "reasonable suspicion" to engage in many legally dubious searches.  If you have a reasonable estimate that you will not be viewed favorably by the local police--previous run-in, local ethnic or religious minority, freethinker (hippy), or they've given reason for you to believe that they aren't disciplined in violence or seizure, then you do not ever want their attention, even if you're just growing fig cuttings.  Use the blackout window or otherwise keep the activity out of sight from the street in the event that there are pot raids in the neighborhood.

The older fed agencies (ATF, FBI) are considerably more safer and professional for admission into your home.

My home isn't visible from the road, I'm back behind my orchard.  This couple seemingly did nothing to gain the attention of law authorities other than the place they shopped.  I'd probably lose my temper if those jerks came into my place like that.  If I could remain calm, I'd probably remain silent and let them waste their time.

Nope. This sounds like clearly overstepping bounds of 4th amendment, although I totally agree that there has been tremendous erosion, especially since the towers came down. However, a few years ago, I forget the jurisdiction, but the police used an infrared scanner to "see" how much light/heat was coming out of a house, and if it was too much(?) they raided the place, expecting to find a grow operation. S. Ct said that wasn't enough. And just recently there was decision that does not allow drug dogs to sniff around your curtilage without probable cause. So take heart, there are still some limits. I joke with the local constabulary here. It's a small town and they all know I grow flowers, because I have participated in the local flower shows. Otherwise, I am afraid that they would be here every whip stitch. Meanwhile, know that your electric bill is subject to scrutiny, because its a business record and not strictly yours.

I'd be upset too, but don't blame the 'jerks' - they are just doing their jobs. I don't use pot, and it's not a big issue to me personally, but it really seems past time to legalize the stuff and get on with letting people live their lives - and let law-enforcement pursue real criminals.

I'm for smaller government and bigger figs

Bill

Don't want to politicize this thread, but physiological research suggests that legalization may still have unresolved questions.

Nope, that stuff is legal here now :)

Ask the Feds, Andy. You'll get a different response.

next thing you know, they will bust you for buying sugar at sam's club. that might be used for mountain dew... moonshine.. white lighting.. 

Okay, I'll settle for "alleged jerks"! ;)

The judge who signed off on the search warrant has some 'splainin to do, unless there was just cause. The fear is that the only "suspicious" activity these people were guilty of was to shop at a hydroponics store.

The war on drugs is a waste of money, manpower and prison real estate for the most part