Pubdate: Sat, 20 Nov 2010
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 The Windsor Star
Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Matthew Janisse

POT PROGRAM DOESN'T WORK

I would like to voice my anger at Health Canada's Medical Marijuana 
Access Program. I have been prescribed medical marijuana now for over 
five years with a sixth renewal pending.

I followed their instructions about sending in six to eight weeks 
prior to the expiry date. It is now more than three weeks late.

Essentially, this makes me illegal. However, since I have copies of 
the application, signed by my AIDS doctor, and proof they received it 
by signature in August, I am refusing to comply with their ridiculous 
suggestion to destroy my plants.

I have worked two years to find a strain that works properly for my 
appetite, and I will be damned if it will be destroyed by me. I have 
been threatened by my house insurer, since it is now illegal.

They could cancel my insurance, thereby voiding my mortgage. Am I 
supposed to go live in public housing after this happens?

I am also leery of being arrested since I have not had any 
altercations with the law since I was in my mid-'20s.

I do not drink alcohol, which caused most of my stupidity then. I 
would like to point out that my condition is not curable and 
permanent. I cannot see why our cards shouldn't be also.

Every year, people in my position need to harass their doctor to 
sign, spend $20 to send it in with a signature required and wait 
until the last day if not usually a few days late.

This year, however, they claim to have an overflow of applications, 
and are backlogged. What I suggest about permanent licences for 
people with permanent, deadly health conditions would save them a ton 
of redundant paperwork.

Matthew Janisse, Amherstburg
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom