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  Canada Expands Medicinal Use of Marijuana
Posted by FoM on July 31, 2001 at 07:56:40 PT
By Maggie Farley, Special To The Tribune 
Source: Chicago Tribune 

medical Under new rules that took effect in Canada on Monday, Canadians who are terminally ill or suffering from certain chronic illnesses may grow and smoke their own marijuana.

Despite protests from doctors who argue that they will now be under pressure to prescribe a substance of unproven medical value, the Canadian government greatly expanded a program that previously had limited medical marijuana to about 300 people nationwide.

Now, with a doctor's certificate, anyone with a terminal illness or suffering from certain chronic conditions can apply for a government ID card allowing them access to the drug.

Those suffering serious pain from cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and arthritis, glaucoma and spinal cord problems can qualify.

"This compassionate measure will improve the quality of life of sick Canadians, particularly those who are terminally ill," said Health Minister Allan Rock.

Medical marijuana advocates have had a sympathetic ear in Rock, who acknowledged two years ago that he had used marijuana.

The new policy stems from a 1996 case involving Terrence Parker, a man with epilepsy who said the drug was the only way to control his seizures. He sued for the right to have access to marijuana after being arrested many times for possession, cultivation and trafficking.

Last summer, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that keeping marijuana illegal violated the rights of those who can demonstrate medical need.

The policy stands in contrast to the United States. Eight states had permitted limited consumption for medicinal use, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May that there should be no exceptions in federal law, even for relieving symptoms of serious illness.

For those who can't grow their own, the Canadian government has licensed a company to provide a reliable supply. Prairie Plant Systems Inc. will grow the plants in a mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and produce marijuana cigarettes.

Licensed patients will receive a 30-day supply at a time.

Marijuana grown for medical use has 6 percent THC, the primary active ingredient, compared to levels of 15 percent to 18 percent in street marijuana.

Jake Peters, a 51-year-old Toronto man who received a medical exemption in April, said he is pleased there is now an alternative to dealing with "unsavory characters who carry weapons."

Peters, who did not want to disclose the illness for which he is using the drug, said he is unenthusiastic about trying the government supply, however.

"I have asthma, so when I smoke, it's better that I have more potent marijuana so I don't have to smoke so much of it," he said. The drug's effects have helped him live better, if not longer, he believes.

"It relaxes me, I feel less pain, it stimulates my appetite, and makes me sleep," he said.

Canada's doctors are wary.

"We are still disappointed the fundamental medical issues of quality, efficacy and patient safety have been ignored," the Canadian Medical Association said in a statement.

"These regulations are placing Canadian physicians and their patients in the precarious position of attempting to access a product that has not gone through the normal protocols of rigorous premarket testing," the group said.

Although the new law makes limited cultivation legal, possessing marijuana seeds is still against the law. It will take time for the government distribution system to work; in the meantime, the illegal underground supply networks will continue.

By Maggie Farley, Special to the Tribune. Maggie Farley is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, a Tribune publishing newspaper.

Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Author: Maggie Farley, Special To The Tribune
Published: July 31, 2001
Copyright: 2001 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact: ctc-TribLetter@Tribune.com
Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/

Related Articles & Web Site:

Canadian Links
http://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htm

Canada Allows Terminally Ill To Smoke Marijuana
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10467.shtml

Rules Broaden Use of Medical Marijuana in Canada
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10460.shtml

CannabisNews Articles - Canada
http://cannabisnews.com/thcgi/search.pl?K=canada


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Comment #1 posted by Finally on July 31, 2001 at 08:01:49 PT
Finally
An article written that doesn't seemed biased. This is real reporting. While the U.S. can't feel compassion, Canada is only working on getting better at their new policies. Pretty soon the only bugs they have to work out (Canada) with med mari are the little ones on the leaves in Flon Flon.

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