Pubdate: Fri, 26 Sep 2003
Source: Washington Blade (DC)
Copyright: 2003 The Washington Blade Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1754
Author: Associated Press

PATIENTS CALL CANADA'S LEGAL MARIJUANA 'DISGUSTING'

OTTAWA (AP) -- Some of the first patients to smoke Canada's
government-approved marijuana say it is "disgusting," and they want
their money back. Health Canada, the federal health department,
started selling marijuana in July to bring relief to patients
suffering from AIDS, cancer and other diseases.

The move followed a court order that patients should not be forced to
get their marijuana from drug dealers on the streets.

But some of the first to buy the government's marijuana say it is no
good. "It's totally unsuitable for human consumption," said Jim
Wakeford, 58, an AIDS patient in Gibsons, British Columbia. Wakeford
and Barrie Dalley, a 52-year-old Toronto man who uses marijuana to
combat the nausea associated with AIDS, are returning their 1-ounce
bags, and Dalley is demanding his money back -- about $195 plus taxes.

Wakeford is returning his unpaid bill for two bags with a written
complaint.

The marijuana is being grown for Health Canada deep underground in a
vacant mine section in Flin Flon, Manitoba, by Prairie Plant Systems
on a contract worth about $7.5 million.

Ten patients have registered with Health Canada to buy marijuana
directly from the government to alleviate their medical symptoms.

Another 39 applications are pending.

No patients have complained directly to Health Canada so far,
spokesperson Krista Apse said, and the department will not accept
returns or provide refunds. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake