Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jun 2015
Source: Chief, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Whistler Printing & Publishing
Website: http://www.squamishchief.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2414
Author: Jennifer Thuncher
Referenced: (R. v. Smith): http://mapinc.org/url/d2dzMbjW

WESTON, RAISER AT ODDS OVER MARIJUANA RULING

MP, Squamish dispensary owner discuss Supreme Court decision

John Weston is not pleased with the medical marijuana ruling by the
Supreme Court of Canada last week.

The ruling, which came down June 11, means medical marijuana patients
will be able to use edible marijuana and other extracts and
derivatives, in addition to being able to smoke it.

"It is unfortunate that judges feel they can displace Health Canada as
our health regulator and decide what drugs are medicines," said
Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to
Sky Country.

"Never before in Canadian history has a drug become a medicine just
because judges said so."

Weston said the ruling also sends a misleading message about the
potential dangers of marijuana.

"It ignores mental health issues like psychosis and schizophrenia that
are being increasingly associated with marijuana use - particularly
long-term marijuana use begun at an early age," he said.

The ruling does, not surprisingly, hearten former district councillor
and Squamish medical marijuana dispensary owner Bryan Raiser.

"Oh boy, is it an exciting time," said Raiser.

"It shows Canada is moving in the right direction, and common sense is
prevailing."

Raiser said it made no sense that previously even lung cancer patients
would be forced to smoke the medical marijuana prescribed for them by
their doctor.

"It doesn't matter your political stripes or where you come from, that
is simply insane."

Since Squamish RCMP threatened to close his 99 North Medical Cannabis
Dispensary in March, Raiser said he has been operating his shop as a
resource centre for people curious about the laws and issues around
the drug.

The Supreme Court ruling doesn't change much for dispensaries, Raiser
said, because most were offering edibles anyway.

"What it does is show everyone this is the direction we are moving
in," he said.

The City of Vancouver council's current consideration of regulating
illegal marijuana dispensaries within its boundaries will have more of
an impact on his potential business, he said, because it would stand
as an example of legitimizing storefront dispensaries.

A federal ruling expected next month that will decide if patients can
legally grow their own pot will also be important in the medical
marijuana debate, Raiser said.

He is hopeful the court will be in favour of the home
growers.

"Trying to throw our most vulnerable citizens in prison for growing
and using a plant that provides relief, it's baffling," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt