Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Website: http://www.leaderpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Charles Hamilton
Page: A7

RULING ON MEDICAL POT 'RIDICULOUS:' LAWYER

SASKATOON - A British Columbia lawyer is calling out Saskatoon's
public school division for its stance on medical marijuana.

John Conroy, who has dealt with several cases involving the rights of
medical marijuana patients, said the school board's decision to ban
Michael Wileniec from attending classes while under the influence of
medical pot is "ridiculous."

"It just seems grossly unfair =C2=85 you have an illness," Conroy
said.

Wileniec, who suffers from a rare condition called hereditary multiple
exostoses, says the only thing that relieves the pain is medically
prescribed pot.

He said his quality of life has improved considerably since a doctor
prescribed the drug for him.

Last week, however, school officials told him he could no longer
attend class while "under the influence" of his prescription.

Conroy said the school's decision to ban Wileniec from taking classes
while on his medication is the product of outdated views about
medically prescribed marijuana.

"I just can't believe the attitude still exists ... they need to get
into the 21st century," he said.

Toronto-based lawyer George Waggott said the use of medical marijuana
in the workplace and at school is an "emerging issue" that will surely
get more attention as more and more people are prescribed the drug.

Waggott said the school should have a proper policy when it comes to
the use of any medication.
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