Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jun 2013
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Danielle Bell
Page: 5

POT GROWER SICK OVER DOPE REGS

New rules have ailing Ottawa mom concerned she won't be able to afford
medical marijuana

For a young Ottawa mother of two small children, marijuana has helped
her live her life.

But now Suzi Berardini, a licenced medical marijuana user who also
grows her own cannabis, doesn't know what she will do about new Health
Canada measures that would bar home production.

"I'm not a criminal. I just happen to be growing cannabis instead of
tomatoes, " said Berardini onTuesday.

"The new regulations have essentially made my medication unattainable
tome."

The 34-year-old, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and another
neuropathic disorder, grows pot at her Kanata home for
next-to-nothing.

But rules that could come into effect in spring 2014, means people
like Berardini would have to purchase pot from a licensed producer.

Berardini is already on disability and uses a food bank to help feed
her family of four.

It would mean several hundred dollars a month to pay for the cannabis
that she believes can't have a price put on it for what it's given
back to her life.

"I went from over 30 pills a day, plus injections, to nothing but
cannabis," said Berardini of her switch from prescribed medication.

"I've got a feeling back that was gone because of cannabis."

Since switching from a "battery of pharmaceuticals," pot has allowed
her to move from a wheelchair to walk on her own; alleviating pain and
other symptoms such as muscle spasms. The measures announced this week
also means Health Canada will not be producing pot.

Under the old system, licensed users such as Berardini could grow
their own, find a grower, or buy from Health Canada.

Berardini doesn't know what she will do but wouldn't be surprised if
medical users resorted to turning to the street to score marijuana.

"It's frustrating. I want quality of life just like everyone else,"
said Berardini. "It's life or death for us."

Legal action is ongoing into the battle for medical marijuana access.
Dozens of complaints have already poured into the Medical Cannabis
Patient's Alliance of Canada about the new proposal, with many
patients upset that they weren't consulted.

"This is going to impact a lot of people," said MCPAC spokesman Marcel
Gignac, who uses cannabis to help with his MS.

A Canadian Medicinal Cannabis Patient's Summit, bringing together
lawyers, doctors, patients and educators, to discuss issues will be
held in Ottawa on June 21. For information, visit www.mcpacanada.org .
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MAP posted-by: Matt