Pubdate: Friday, August 27, 1999 Source: Toronto Star (Canada) Copyright: 1999, The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Author: Lynn Harichy LET MEDICAL MARIJUANA USERS GROW THEIR OWN Re: Health Canada Commits $7.5 Million To Marijuana Trials (Aug. 21). As a medical marijuana activist, there are a few things that bother me about the government studies. First, what does Health Canada mean by "research-grade" marijuana? Is it talking about low grade THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) bud? Or just the leaves of this plant? I know from experience that these types and quality of marijuana do not help me; in fact, they only make me worse, with headaches and congestion. Another thing I have found out from my own research: Different strains of this plant are best for different illnesses, aches and pains. Like all medication, moderation is the key. Each person uses it differently. Like anything the doctor would give you, there are also ways to use this herb. Some use it just before bed, some four times a day, some 20 minutes before pills or meals. The list goes on and on. I want to grow my own strain because I know the strain I need. I know what the recommended dosage is for my illness, which is multiple sclerosis. I also cannot afford to buy this so-called weed because of my finances, but would be able to grow the amount I need. So many questions still need to be answered but to me, the most important one is, why am I still going to court Sept. 27 for using this herb for medical reasons? There is no funding available for people like me to continue to fight this war! LYNN HARICHY London, Ont. - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto