Pubdate: Sat, 20 Jun 2015
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: John McVicar
Page: IN 7
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n324/a07.html

MORE REEFER MADNESS FROM TORIES

Re: Chill out, minister, Editorial June 14

Outraged? How dare you. You criticize our highest court in the land 
and you don't even have the credentials to administer an allergy shot!

Our family is fuming! You have told us in your press announcement 
that you are outraged that the Supreme Court decided that people 
taking medical marijuana can now consume it in any form, not just be 
forced to smoke it. You have also said that Health Canada is the only 
regulatory body in this country that has the authority and the 
integrity to regulate what products come to market. So why are there 
so many products coming to market that have significant problems as 
side affects?

Our grandson was on Risperdol for eight years to control his 
behaviour due to having autism. He was taken off it almost three 
years ago because of cysts that were starting to grow in his chest 
wall - a stated side effect of this highly toxic drug. Our son and 
his wife took him off Risperdol and started him on CBD concentrate 
that our son prepared at home and administered orally.

Why did we have faith in what he was doing and not in your government 
approved drug? Because Risperdol's side effects include death. There 
are no recorded deaths from marijuana. We also have had a great deal 
of faith in our son's research which appears to be way more extensive 
than what you have done.

If there is only one authority on who decides what health products 
should be on the market, then you as the minister must step up, be 
far more proactive than you have been and look into marijuana and the 
health impact it can have on the Canadians you feel have been done 
wrong by the court decision. Your ignorance on this subject and 
neglect in your responsibilities is truly disgraceful.

John McVicar, Listowel
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom