The meters can't tell what appliances are running unless they're connected to the local Wifi (those smart fridges on 5G that can tell you what's in the fridge & what to put on your shopping list.....)- they just send consumption & TOU data to the network. For instance, they can't tell whether you're running a pool filter or a 600W grow tent at 6am-9am.
I don't think the Police would waste time & resources on hunting for/prosecuting small-scale personal home-based grows. They're only interested in the big operations.
The power companies get tipped-off by the Police that a grow-house has been busted & they send-in a sparky to find the bypass (which is usual practice for such op's) & assess potential electricity usage for "revenue protection" purposes.
If you think about it, having a smart meter send data directly to the network actually INCREASES your security, as it removes the need for someone to attend the premises in person (except to have the meter installed &/or replaced if there's a fault with it). Old-style mechanical disc meters or MRIM's (Manual Read Interval Meters) require a person to actually attend the premises & read the meter by eye or with an optical probe.
Your rate of consumption won't change whether you have a dumb meter or a Smart one - if they haven't come after you yet, it's highly unlikely that they will after a Smart meter has been installed.