Pubdate: Sat, 12 Nov 2005
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2005 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Nikhat Ahmed, CanWest News Service

HOSPITAL TO POT USER: BUZZ OFF

Patient Escorted Outside After Lighting Up Prescription Joint

The Saskatoon Health Region's smoking policy was revised more than a 
year ago, but recently a patient discovered the air isn't completely 
clear on how to deal with authorized medical marijuana users in city hospitals.

Peter Christensen was brought to City Hospital by ambulance from 
Vermilion, Alta., but the tests he needed didn't get done because he 
couldn't use his medical cannabis in the hospital.

Christensen says shortly after he was admitted, a male nurse and a 
security guard approached him.

"He (the nurse) told me that we do not recognize medical marijuana 
here," Christensen said. "If you have medical marijuana with you, it 
will have to be locked up in security."

Health Canada began authorizing people with specific medical 
conditions in 2001. To date, there are 858 authorized medical 
marijuana users in the country.

Christensen was authorized to use marijuana in 2004 by Health Canada 
to treat a movement disorder known as tardive dyskinesia. He uses 
cannabis every six to eight hours.

Christensen asked to go back to Vermilion and was escorted outside by 
the security guard to use the cannabis before hitting the road.

He noted his conversation with the staff was cordial, and "there was 
no bad words," but he doesn't understand why the cannabis became an issue.

Jean Morrison, senior vice-president of health services for the 
Saskatoon Health Region, said she can't comment on the specific 
incident, but explained how medical marijuana should be dealt with.

Morrison said once the health region confirms a person under its care 
has the proper approvals, "our administration of that drug would be 
the same as the narcotics and controlled drug standards and policies. 
It would also fall under our smoking policy."

Paul Duchesne, Health Canada spokesperson, confirmed medical 
marijuana is a federal policy, but "if you have an authorization and 
you are in a place where there are smoking restrictions, you have to 
follow those restrictions."

The current policy says smoking is only permitted in designated 
locations outside the building.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman