Pubdate: Tue, 31 Jul 2001
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2001 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: Maggie Farley, Special To The Tribune
Note: Maggie Farley is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, a Tribune 
publishing newspaper.

CANADA EXPANDS MEDICINAL USE OF MARIJUANA

Under new rules that took effect in Canada on Monday, Canadians who are 
terminally ill or suffering from certain chronic illnesses may grow and 
smoke their own marijuana.

Despite protests from doctors who argue that they will now be under 
pressure to prescribe a substance of unproven medical value, the Canadian 
government greatly expanded a program that previously had limited medical 
marijuana to about 300 people nationwide.

Now, with a doctor's certificate, anyone with a terminal illness or 
suffering from certain chronic conditions can apply for a government ID 
card allowing them access to the drug.

Those suffering serious pain from cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, 
epilepsy and arthritis, glaucoma and spinal cord problems can qualify.

"This compassionate measure will improve the quality of life of sick 
Canadians, particularly those who are terminally ill," said Health Minister 
Allan Rock.

Medical marijuana advocates have had a sympathetic ear in Rock, who 
acknowledged two years ago that he had used marijuana.

The new policy stems from a 1996 case involving Terrence Parker, a man with 
epilepsy who said the drug was the only way to control his seizures. He 
sued for the right to have access to marijuana after being arrested many 
times for possession, cultivation and trafficking.

Last summer, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that keeping marijuana 
illegal violated the rights of those who can demonstrate medical need.

The policy stands in contrast to the United States. Eight states had 
permitted limited consumption for medicinal use, but the U.S. Supreme Court 
ruled in May that there should be no exceptions in federal law, even for 
relieving symptoms of serious illness.

For those who can't grow their own, the Canadian government has licensed a 
company to provide a reliable supply. Prairie Plant Systems Inc. will grow 
the plants in a mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and produce marijuana cigarettes.

Licensed patients will receive a 30-day supply at a time.

Marijuana grown for medical use has 6 percent THC, the primary active 
ingredient, compared to levels of 15 percent to 18 percent in street marijuana.

Jake Peters, a 51-year-old Toronto man who received a medical exemption in 
April, said he is pleased there is now an alternative to dealing with 
"unsavory characters who carry weapons."

Peters, who did not want to disclose the illness for which he is using the 
drug, said he is unenthusiastic about trying the government supply, however.

"I have asthma, so when I smoke, it's better that I have more potent 
marijuana so I don't have to smoke so much of it," he said. The drug's 
effects have helped him live better, if not longer, he believes.

"It relaxes me, I feel less pain, it stimulates my appetite, and makes me 
sleep," he said.

Canada's doctors are wary.

"We are still disappointed the fundamental medical issues of quality, 
efficacy and patient safety have been ignored," the Canadian Medical 
Association said in a statement.

"These regulations are placing Canadian physicians and their patients in 
the precarious position of attempting to access a product that has not gone 
through the normal protocols of rigorous premarket testing," the group said.

Although the new law makes limited cultivation legal, possessing marijuana 
seeds is still against the law. It will take time for the government 
distribution system to work; in the meantime, the illegal underground 
supply networks will continue.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens