Pubdate: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 Source: Ottawa Hill Times (Canada) Contact: http://www.thehilltimes.ca/ Section: Question Period "Will you support Bloc's motion to decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes?" "If it is just for medical purposes and having the government look at that then I'm quite in favour because it will help these people. I want to look at the motion more closely but it (legalization for medical purposes) is something we should look at, no doubt about it. People with AIDS, poeple with multiple sclerosis, with seizures, it could be helpful to some of these people." Liberal MP Bernard Patry Pierrefonds-Dollard, Que. "I'm certainly in support of his motion. I think that there's a good scientific medical case to be made for the use of marijuana in difficult medical cases... Marijuana has been proven to be effective medically to relieve symptoms where other ones have failed and without the harmful side effects of other drugs. And on that basis, this motion should be supported." NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis Winnipeg North Centre, Ont. "To tell you the truth, this is something I should probably go ahead and hold a survey with my constituents to get a feel for. I've been approached by a fellow by the name of Randy Kreiger in Calgary who is in favour of the legalization of pot for medicinal purposes ... but there are some people who jump on the bandwagon of the medicinal use of pot just to get pot and that's too bad because I think there are some people that would really legitimately benefit." Reform MP Rob Anders Calgary West, Alta. "No, I personally cannot support it. I don't condone anyone using it for medicinal purposes. I can't see anyone in my riding or family supporting it." Liberal MP Gary Pillitteri Niagara Falls, Ont. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck