Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jan 2012 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2012 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Author: Kathryn Burnham LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER Medical Marijuana CORNWALL - Rodney Primeau is in pain so bad, that some days he has to stay in bed. In 2003, Primeau was told he had spinal stenosis. Although he has had an operation, the deteriorating disk means he will always be in pain. And it will get worse, he said. To combat the onslaught of pain, Primeau has tried Oxycontin and Percocet, but he hasn't enjoyed the side effects that have left him feeling "like a zombie," unable to help take care of his children to the best of his ability. "I needed to be on a playing field where I was not in pain but I could still function for my kids," Primeau said. Primeau has turned to marijuana for pain relief, and he has found that it works better than the prescription painkillers he has used but the costs are adding pain to his pocketbook. Marijuana does not have the same insurance coverage as prescription painkillers, even when recommended by a doctor for medicinal use. Primeau has applied for a license to possess marijuana for medical purposes under the Marijuana Medical Access (MMA) Regulations, which were introduced 10 years ago. This license included a signature from a doctor attesting to his need to use marijuana. But Primeau says the government-sold medicinal marijuana is more costly than he can afford, and is cheaper on the streets. Primeau is allowed to smoke five grams a day. To buy that supply from the government would cost him $847.50 a month, but Primeau says it costs about half the amount to buy it on the streets at a higher THC level, too. "How do I afford what the government wants to charge me?" he asked. Primeau says the government-sold marijuana isn't as effective due to its low THC level, so he has applied to grow his own supply via a designated grower, based in Cornwall, who is already licensed to grow his own marijuana for medicinal purposes. The light bulbs alone have cost him almost $750, and that was all he could afford at the moment. While Primeau was easily able to get Oxycontin and Percocet from his neighbourhood pharmacy and received support through his disability coverage for this medication, he is unsure if any of his expenses for dried marijuana, plants or other equipment will be covered. The Ontario Disability Support Program and OHIP do not cover marijuana or any of the associated costs, although they can be claimed as a medical expense for tax purposes. "It is important to note that marijuana is not an approved therapeutic drug in Canada or in any country in the world," according to Health Canada. "I don't want my family to do without, but meanwhile I have to do without (pain relief)," Primeau said. The application for the license alone had Primeau considering the streets for a supply, as the process took over three months to complete. Health Canada states the process should take eight to 10 weeks. Proposed changes to the MMA program may solve some of Primeau's problems for others, including cutting out the wait time and application forms for licenses. The changes will also provide more information to physicians about the potential risks and benefits of using marijuana for medical purposes. Primeau is not alone in financial worry, as those qualifying for a license to smoke marijuana for medicinal purposes must be dealing with debilitating diseases, "for whom all other conventional treatments have been tried or considered," according to Health Canada. This includes patients suffering from spinal cord injury or disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or severe arthritis. "It's to get me through my day," Primeau said. "The government says I chose this path, but I didn't choose that. I just want to be a productive member of society." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D