Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2016
Source: Metro (Ottawa, CN ON)
Page: 3
Copyright: 2016 Metro
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/Ottawa
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4032
Author: Emma Jackson

Medical Marijuana

POT ADVOCATES TO PROTEST, BLOCK TRAFFIC

If you're held up downtown, it could be due to a pot protest.

A medical marijuana advocacy group calling itself Patients Lives 
Matter says it will block traffic in Ottawa and hold other peaceful 
protests until the federal government listens to its demands.

The group called on allies to hold similar demonstrations across the country.

"The public won't know when, where, how many people will be involved 
or how long each demonstration will last," said Alex Newcombe, who 
spoke on Parliament Hill Thursday.

The group blocked traffic on Wellington Street in front of Parliament 
for about 20 minutes on July 11, hoping to be heard.

Newcombe said medical users like himself have been "left in a back 
alley" by the federal government, which has promised legalization by 
next spring.

Newcombe said the government's strictly regulated medical marijuana 
system has been "arduous, mean-spirited (and) incoherent" despite 
several court rulings in favour of better access.

Ming Saad, who joined Newcombe on Parliament Hill, said supporters 
must fight for their rights, even if it means inconveniencing drivers 
or getting negative feedback. "We don't have a choice anymore," Saad 
said. "Trudeau's not listening to us."

Newcombe reminded protesters not to break the law while demonstrating 
- - but to still make their point. "Don't stand down," Newcombe said. 
"Stand up and fight."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom