A random survey of local meth heads, junkies and crack users in my modestly upscale neighbourhood revealed one outstanding fact: that all these now hardcore junkies began smoking pot when in high school. More telling is that all are children whose parents indulged in recreational smoking around the home. This is not to say that all pot users become addicts, but given the right environment (abuse, neglect, broken homes, etc.), a lifetime of drug use appears inevitable. Marc Emery and his followers reflect the position of most leftists and their culture of entitlement: It's all right to flout foreign laws, but when called to account, refuse to accept responsibility for your own actions. I sincerely hope our government is not going to waste my tax dollars fighting Mr. Emery's extradition to the U.S. I'd rather the money be used rehabilitating the druggies in my neighbourhood. Lynn Haley, Vancouver. [end]
VANCOUVER - B.C. pharmacies will soon be dispensing medicinal marijuana under a Health Canada pilot project. Stakeholders are currently in talks to discuss just how the drug will be dispensed to medicinal marijuana users. Dr. Brenda Osmond (PhD), Registrar of the College of Pharmacists of B.C., says the details haven't been finalized yet, but pharmacists are on side with the plan. In fact, in July 2003 the college surveyed its members on the issue and 80% agreed it was a good idea. [continues 126 words]
Clients Visited Daily By Withdrawal Program's Staff VANCOUVER - Substance abusers in the Fraser Valley can undergo detoxification within the comfort of their own homes, with a pilot project initiated by the local health authority. The Home Withdrawal and Management Program gives addicts who are 19 years and older the opportunity to manage their addictions at home with the help of a community nurse. The program was introduced by Maple Cottage Detox Centre, a 22-bed facility that provides withdrawal management for men and women, and focuses on giving substance abusers more autonomy. [continues 499 words]
Patients Humiliated Because They Have To keep Justifying Their Pain: Study VANCOUVER - The stigma attached to cannabis use keeps dying patients from taking advantage of the medicinal benefits of the drug, according to a study by palliative care specialist Dr. Romayne Gallagher, a professor at the University of British Columbia. The study, which drew on a survey of dying patients in palliative care units in Kelowna and Vancouver, showed these patients worried that smoking marijuana could damage their lungs, be illegal or cause addiction. They were also worried about the impact pot smoke might have on family members. [continues 640 words]
