Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n049/a01.html Author: Jim Wakeford NOT A SUPPORTER OF COMPASSION CLUBS Re: Photo With Be Compassionate, Jan. 14. I am shocked and outraged that your paper used a photo of me leading with this column. I am the first of two Canadians granted Section 56 exemptions from the federal minister of health on June 9, 1999, after winning a constitutional challenge on May 10, 1999, before Justice Harry Laforme in the Ontario Superior Court. That allowed me to cultivate and use marijuana for medical use. I do not support the so-called "compassion clubs." They are fleecing the poor and defying the law. Charging street prices and operating as fronts for anonymous growers -- what is it about them that is not black market? Neither I nor any of my sick friends can afford the cost and health risk associated with buying commercial grade marijuana sold at clubs. Jim Wakeford, Toronto. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom