Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jun 2010
Source: Missoulian (MT)
Copyright: 2010 Missoulian
Contact:  http://www.missoulian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/720
Note: Only prints letters from within its print circulation area
Author: Tim Trainor

REGISTERED PATIENTS CAN VISIT CANADA, BUT NOT WITH POT

BUTTE - Having a medical marijuana card cannot affect a Montanan's 
ability to visit Canada; however, all drugs found at the border 
crossing will be confiscated.

Lisa White, spokesperson for the Canada Border Control Services 
Agency, said that despite rumors to the contrary, a traveler's 
enrollment in the Montana's medical marijuana program won't keep anyone out.

"In and of itself, it is not a valid reason

to deny entrance," she said.

Health Canada, the federal department that runs the country's health 
care system, has a medical marijuana program and the drug is allowed 
for those suffering from "grave and debilitating illnesses" such as 
cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis.

However, according to White, Health Canada does not recognize the 
medical marijuana programs of any other country. Therefore, a person 
could not bring a personal amount of the drug across the border, 
despite the fact that it was medically prescribed.

White said any marijuana found at a border crossing would have to be 
"abandoned to the crown." She said that officers would not turn the 
car back, because that would violate the country's drug laws.

"They have to confiscate it," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart