Pubdate: Tue, 15 Jan 2013
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 J. Davies
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: J. Davies

PATIENTS NEED PROGRESSIVE VIEW

Editor:

Re: A few bad seeds hurt patient, Jan. 8 editorial.

Thank you for presenting a compassionate, factual editorial on the
upcoming changes the Harper government is enacting.

How refreshing to see this attitude in the media!

I am a senior with multiple medical conditions. I have been under a
doctor's care and a federally licensed patient for 10 years. Due to
cannabis, I have a good quality of life and am no longer taking
pharmaceutical prescription drugs.

The side effects of the prescription drugs were creating havoc in my
life. I spent most of my time walking around like a zombie and either
sleeping or watching TV for most of the day. Now, I have energy, a
clear head and am involved in my community. Now, I am able to enjoy my
family and grandchildren.

Everything you said in your editorial is correct. One fact left out is
that Health Canada radiates the cannabis they sell to patients. That
policy will continue as they farm out to big companies. The government
cannot tell us what harm ingesting radiated plant material will cause
us as they have not done any studies.

We have a right to "safe" medicine. I know others who grow their
medicine for $300 per month or less, but with the new regulations they
will have to pay over $3,000. When one lives on a CPP disability
pension of less than $1,000 per month, this will be impossible.

The Harper government continues to abuse and re-victimize our weakest
and sickest.

Legalizing or decriminalizing is not the answer for patients.
Regardless what happens in the recreational marijuana world, we need a
separate model that allows us dignified, safe access at an affordable
cost to our medicine, which includes allowing us to grow, or have
grown, what works for us and/or have our medicine covered by MSP just
as the chemical pharmaceuticals are.

These are bad laws. Bad laws are meant to be broken, if it is in the
interest of the public. I expect we will see these bad laws broken by
many and the Harper government turning sick people into criminals.

J. Davies,

Surrey
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D