Pubdate: Mon, 25 Feb 2008
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Canoe Inc
Contact:  http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Matt Kieltyka
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

POT SMOKING PATIENT LEARNS PATIENCE

As if the long, painful road to recovery from a  debilitating medical
condition wasn't enough, a Burnaby  woman says she's being persecuted
for using marijuana  to cope.

Two years ago, Olga Eredics finally gave in to her  doctor's
suggestion to try medical marijuana after a  bout with multiple
sclerosis left her in a wheelchair  in 2002.

Although she still deals with tremendous pain every  day, Eredics is
able to walk and exercise with the help  of cannabis.

"I was against the idea at first because I had never  smoked anything
in my life and it made no sense to me,"  she said. "But I wouldn't be
able to do my exercises  without using it to get me through the pain."

Eredics credits prescribed cannabis for her livelihood,  but it's also
been a source of abuse and emotional pain  since she started using
it.

"There is a lot of negative scrutiny," she claims.  "People look at me
with hate and scoff. People look at  me like I'm a criminal."

The glares and comments have had an unfair  psychological effect on
Eredics, who only feels  comfortable lighting up in areas where people
recognize  her.

The situation was made worse two weeks ago during an  altercation with
security guards near the Metrotown  area, which is part of Eredics'
daily walking route.

"They saw the marijuana and approached me and a  friend," she recalls.
"They told me to get lost. When I  told them I had my Health Canada
licence one of them  called me scum. I couldn't believe it."

The situation was ultimately resolved, but Eredics says  it's just the
latest example of society's ignorance.

"There is another side to what people see. I wouldn't  be able to walk
without it," she pleads. "I just want  to be seen as part of the
community."
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MAP posted-by: Derek