Pubdate: Tue, 06 Sep 2011 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2011 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: Lorraine Hubbs PATIENTS NEED TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE Dear Editor, My husband is dealing with dementia, and has been for the last 12 years. He is quite aware of where dementia takes a person. I have his general practitioner's and specialists' approval to allow him to use medical marijuana. I would not want to be facing what he faces every day. Would you? I applied on his behalf through the federal government for a license to have a supply. I told them that B.C. Compassionate Club in Vancouver would be his supplier - but that is not a satisfactory source with the federal government. I must buy through them, grow my own or find someone with a license to grow for me. I did not have a secure place to grow, nor the inclination to do so. How do I find someone to grow for me? Just put an ad in the local paper? It is not like growing tomatoes. There are rip-off artists, some armed, who would like some extra marijuana locally. Langley had an exceptional medical marijuana dispensary in Langley. It was secure, open to all branches of the government to see and inspect, by appointment only for members, professionally run. a good model for others to follow. They had extremely good quality, reasonably priced product, and the staff was knowledgeable and helpful. To my knowledge, none of the elected officials had the courtesy to inspect the facility. How can you close down a medical facility without looking at it to see how it is being managed? The federal government gives permission to obtain medical marijuana, but no facility to do so. The Langley Medical Marijuana was/is asking for a trial period to test the need. There is a need, so let it operate. Keep an eye on it, but let it be open for the people in physical and mental pain. Don't make people search for it in back alleys, from drug runners and dealers. Let them get it easily, fairly, and comfortably. I was relieved when I could get marijuana for my husband in the light of day, from people I trusted, and at a price we could afford. Lorraine Hubbs, Langley - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart