Pubdate: Thu, 04 Sep 2008
Source: NOW Magazine (CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 NOW Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nowtoronto.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/282
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n824/a06.html
Author: Russell Barth

MEDPOT LIFE AND DEATH

Regarding Stoning of a crusader (NOW, August 28-September 3), my wife 
and I are (arguably) the most high-profile and outspoken medpot 
crusaders in the capital area, and we live in constant fear.

We have licences from Health Canada to smoke marijuana, but we know 
that doesn't necessarily protect us from persecution.

We walk a fine line between raising the ire of the police (with our 
letters, speeches and TV appearances) and being protected by our 
public, high-profile activism. The thing that endangers us is also, 
ironically, the thing that protects us.

But unlike Matt Mernagh and me, my wife could not survive in jail. 
Without her medicine, she would likely have powerful seizures within 
a day or so, especially with her food allergies.

This would mean she could be ignored in her cell and left to die. Or, 
worse yet, be sent to the ER where she would be pumped full of drugs 
that could kill her in short order, which is why she was forced to 
turn to the herb in the first place.

If she survived her ER stay, she would be stuck with months of 
depression, as happened just this past Easter Monday and in the weeks 
since. It has been touch and go for months.

People act like having a pot licence is some sort of privilege or 
prize. To us, it is a curse.

Russell Barth
Ottawa 
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart