A cover story on medical marijuana seemed risky at first. Risky because this is a healthcare journal, and despite all the excitement in the newspapers, the only thing we know for certain about pot is that it gets people high. And possibly arrested. So our interest in the subject might annoy some readers. But if the polls are correct, a strong majority (83%) of Canadians support legalizing marijuana for medical use, while 51 per cent want it legalized outright. There is some backing in the courts as well, an Ontario judge ruling in December that it is unconstitutional to deprive Terry Parker, a 42-year-old epileptic man, of marijuana for his illness. [continues 230 words]
"Basically, what I do is, I cause trouble. That's my function. If you cause enough trouble eventually you effect change." Meet Alan Young. Last summer the Osgoode Hall law professor launched a constitutional challenge against marijuana laws on behalf of Chris Clay, owner of a London, Ont., store called Hemp Nation. Clay, whose merchandise included marijuana plants, was charged with trafficking and cultivating a narcotic. While Young's client was found guilty, Ontario Court Justice John McCart was tolerant, handing Clay a relatively modest $750 fine and three years probation. In his judgement, McCart said, "as it is commonly used, occasionally, cannabis presents only minor.or subtle risks to the health of the individual." This spring Young will represent Lynn Harichy, a multiple sclerosis patient charged with possession after lighting a marijuana joint in front of a London police station. [continues 3330 words]
