Pubdate: Sat, 12 Nov 2005 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2005 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: Nikhat Ahmed, CanWest News Service MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULES STILL IN A HAZE SASKATOON - The Saskatoon Health Region's smoking policy was revised more than a year ago, but a patient recently 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. Mr. 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," Mr. 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. Mr. 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. Mr. Christensen asked to go back to Vermilion and was escorted outside by the security guard to use the cannabis before hitting the road. Jean Morrison, senior vice-president of health services for the Saskatoon Health Region said once the health region confirms a person under its care is approved for medicinal marijuana, "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." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth