Pubdate: Mon, 29 Aug 2005
Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2005 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://www.herald.ns.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Monica Graham
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

TURNOUT DISAPPOINTS MARIJUANA PRODUCER

MACCAN - Pot producer Rick Simpson is disappointed with the turnout at a 
Saturday meeting he called to publicize plans for his marijuana crop.

Less than 50 people turned up at the Maccan legion hall to hear Mr. Simpson 
make his case for the legal medical use of oil he extracted from 1,600 
marijuana plants he grew in his backyard.

No media, police, or politicians showed up, although they were invited, Mr. 
Simpson said.

Supporters, some of his clients and others interested in the use of the oil 
attended, he said.

Mr. Simpson said he uses the oil to treat a variety of ailments, from 
cancer and psoriasis to back pain and concussions. He doesn't charge for 
the substance, which he calls a miracle drug. Submissions to Health Canada 
in 2003 and 2004, to have the substance legalized, have fallen on deaf 
ears, he said.

Earlier this month, the RCMP seized his plants and charged Mr. Simpson, 
leaving him with no supplies for his patients, he said in a telephone 
interview Saturday.

"I had 200 to 300 pounds of prime bud," he said, adding that he didn't try 
to hide the crop. "I could make quite a pile of oil to cure people."

Mr. Simpson said he believes large pharmaceutical companies are behind the 
suppression of the medical use of marijuana because they can't patent it 
and make a lot of money.

He plans to refuse to enter a plea on Sept. 26, his scheduled court date.

"I can't make a plea on a charge based on a corrupt law," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman