Pubdate: Tue, 10 Dec 2013
Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB)
Copyright: 2013 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471
Author: Jeremy Nolais

PRIVACY BREACH. CITY POT USERS EAGER TO JOIN LAWSUIT

Calgary medical-marijuana users say they plan to join tens of 
thousands of others across Canada in a class-action lawsuit alleging 
the federal health body violated their privacy.

It's believed documents were sent to 40,000 licensed patients last 
month in white envelopes with the words "Medical marijuana access" 
written across the top.

Health Canada has since taken responsibility for what it conceded was 
a gaffe, but it now faces a potential class action lawsuit spurred by 
firm Branch MacMaster.

John, a Calgary cancer survivor in his 50s, said his envelope was 
left hanging out of his mailbox with the sensitive words on it 
clearly visible to passers by.

"I was trying to do it the right way and, yeah, I'm getting crapped 
on.... I should have just shut my mouth and grown a couple of plants 
or something quietly," he said, adding that he was "very interested" 
in involving himself in the legal action.

Steve, who smokes marijuana to relieve pain from nerve damage in his 
arms, has already contacted the firm and said it's time for community 
members to stand up for their rights. He said he fears being outed as 
a user could cost him clients and other professional relationships 
he's worked to build.

"It's the stigmatization," he said. "That's why we've always kept to 
ourselves. Especially in Calgary - this is conservative homeland. 
They don't see a patient, they see a pothead."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom