Pubdate: Tue, 11 Feb 2003
Source: Daily News, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/halifax/dailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/179
Author: Keith Bonnell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

AILING GRASS USERS SEEK MORE INPUT

As  advocates of medicinal marijuana gathered for a protest in Ottawa, a
local activist could only send her support in spirit.

Debbie Stultz-Giffin was too sick to attend Mondays protest in person.

The  45-year-old  suffers  from multiple sclerosis, which often leaves her
exhausted.  She  has  a  Health  Canada medical exemption to take marijuana
as medicine.

But  Stultz-Giffin  did  have  enough  energy  to  vent her anger at a
federal  system  she  said has forced her to break the law just to get
medicine to which shes legally entitled.

Marijuana gives me a quality of life, Stultz-Giffin said from her home in
Bridgetown, Annapolis Co. It controls my pain; it will stop spasms dead in
their tracks. Its just a wonderful medication for me.

Critics say Ottawa has made a mess of its medicinal marijuana program. They
claim its too hard to get a medical marijuana exemption, and its harder
still to get legal marijuana.

The  protesters want to be represented on a federal advisory committee
that's trying to rewrite the rules for medicinal marijuana.

There  are  two  people  with medical exemptions on the committee, but
critics  say  they  were randomly appointed by Health Canada, and dont have
a grasp on all the issues.

Four  years  ago,  Stultz-Giffins  husband,  Cliff,  was  arrested for
growing  marijuana  in their home. He was convicted and given a $1,500 fine.

The  couple  said  the  pot was medication for Debbie, who smokes four grams
a day to cope with her MS.

That  criminal  conviction  means hes unable to grow medicinal pot for his
wife, under the federal guidelines.

I  have  a  criminal  record, the 58-year-old artist said. I think its
ludicrous,  that because I was convicted of growing this stuff, Im not
allowed to grow it for my ill wife.

Were not trying to sell this stuff on the side.

Buying  pot  illegally  has  proven unreliable and costly, running the
family  nearly $200 a week, Stultz-Giffin said, adding that she is now
relying on truly compassionate people for her medication.

Protest  organizer Philipe Lucas said the federal system needs a major
overhaul.

It  wouldnt  be right if your doctor said to you, You need penicillin, go
home and make it, Lucas said. For the same reason, this program has really
become a farce.
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