Pubdate: Sat, 18 Aug 2001
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Shane Holladay
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

MEDICINAL POT HARD TO COME BY

Rather than rely on a glacial government process, Edmontonians in 
need of chronic pain relief are seeking more direct sources of 
medical marijuana.

Phones have been ringing off the hook at Winnipeg clinics caring for 
the terminally ill as people are fed up with the Health Canada 
application process for medical marijuana.

"We're getting people from other organizations and other diseases 
calling us to ask us if we know where to find a dealer," said a staff 
worker with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba.

Director Tracy Brown said the calls surprise her but she added the MS 
Society doesn't deal in dealers.

The Edmonton branch hasn't had any such calls from folks looking to 
score so far, said Heidi Erisman, MS society manager for individual 
and family services.

They have, however, had interest in their counselling groups, she 
said. The society offers callers current information, said Erisman, 
but doesn't endorse any type of drug or therapy for members.

People asking about medical uses for pot at the True North Hemp Co. 
are fed up with doctor-prescribed medications, said co-manager Joanna 
Couture.

"I don't think a lot of people rely on the government," she said, 
adding many people come in complaining their medication makes them 
too sick to eat unless they smoke a joint first.

Couture said most folks probably find a black-market source, and when 
asked for one by the public she refers all enquiries to the Marijuana 
Party or a Vancouver compassion club.

Health Canada rules for those who want to apply to use medical 
marijuana took effect earlier this month.

Successful applicants must have a life expectancy of a year or less 
or be in severe pain from a serious medical condition. Doctors or 
medical specialists must support the application.
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