Pubdate: Tue, 07 May 2013
Source: Now, The (Surrey, CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Author: Christopher Poon

HOGG SUPPORTS REVIEW ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

A South-Surrey based movement to put pressure on the federal 
government to bring affordable and accessible medical marijuana to 
patients has added a local MLA to its movement.

Gordon Hogg, MLA for Surrey-White Rock has come out with a joint 
statement with the B.C. chapter of Canadian Cannabis Partners calling 
for a provincial review on ensuring affordable cannabis is made 
available to British Columbians.

"Cannabis has relieved the suffering of many people in our 
community," said Hogg in the statement. "The federal government has 
legalized the use of medical cannabis for medical purposes. I support 
a provincial review to ensure that B.C. patients are able to access 
affordable, safe, high quality cannabis for their medical needs."

Joy Davies, executive director of the B.C. chapter of the Canadian 
Medical Cannabis Partners, said she'd like to see the federal 
government's Medical Marihuana Access Regulations program 
decentralized to the provincial governments.

Currently, the federal government has all say over medical marijuana, 
its uses and growing regulations.

Davies also led a rally outside of South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale 
MP Russ Hiebert's office in February, protesting changes to Canada's 
Medical Marijuana Access Regulations.

"Canada is a compassionate country and has allowed access to cannabis 
for medical purposes for 13 years," said Davies. "Unfortunately, the 
administration of this federal program has not served the needs of 
close 6 million Canadians suffering from chronic pain who would 
benefit from this medicinal plant."

Davies then called on the public to support the province in forming 
"a committee that will put the largest stakeholders - the patients - 
at the decision making table."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom