Finding a good hydro store is like finding a good garage to get your car fixed and doing your research before you show up at either place can save you plenty. Time and money both.
I'm still paranoid about buying anything grow related online so hope my favorite hydro store in Edmonton stays open. Even if I'm just shopping for regular stuff when I go to the city I go get cash from the bank and do all my shopping with the coin of the realm. Why give these guys free data about my shopping habits.
Even tho services like PayPal, Amazon etc don't actively rat you out to popo they don't ask for a warrant if popo wants to see what you've been buying. You cannot help but leave digital tracks that are easy for the cops to sniff out if they decide to start investigating you. Recent breakup with a vindictive partner? Pissed off buyer of your goods? Nosy neighbours? Doesn't take much for the cops to start peaking into your activities to see if they can garner enough info to go get a warrant to toss your house if someone drops a dime on you.
I've been getting my medical for pot for a few years now but never registered with Hellth Canaduh to grow legally. With a 12g/day limit I could be legal for 59 plants indoors but don't want to be on the government hit list should a new administration decide to change the laws. I have no doubt that if the Cons get in this Oct. they may try to repeal the legal 4 plant recreational limit to help out their corporate bum-buddies that are the prime investors in the Legal Provider world created by Herr Harper and supported by our current dictator, Justin (Trudy) Trudeau.
Even if you're 100% legal keeping your yap shut is still the best way to be. Rippers got no rules to follow at all.
Stay safe out there.