Pubdate: Mon, 09 Nov 2015
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Sean Trembath
Page: A3

SUPPORTERS CONTINUE TO RALLY BEHIND COMPASSION CLUB

The head of the Saskatchewan Compassion Club says the shutting down of
his operation has driven sick people to look for marijuana wherever
they can find it.

"People who have never gone to the streets to buy cannabis before are
doing that," Mark Hauk said Saturday at a rally in front of Saskatoon
Police Service headquarters in support of the club.

"I've had some unbelievable conversations where people have asked me
what streets they should drive around."

The club, which sold cannabis and marijuana derivatives to people with
medical marijuana prescriptions, was raided by police on Oct. 29.
Officers seized all the club's products and arrested Hauk and three of
his employees. All four are facing charges related to drug
trafficking.

This weekend's rally was the second in as many Saturdays. With around
35 people present, this week's had about half as many attendants as
the previous, but Hauk said he has not seen a downturn in support from
the public.

"In terms of phone calls and emails I get, and people through the
door, it's probably picked up as the week has gone on," he said.

Lynda Hill, one of the supporters at the rally, said she wanted to
support Hauk despite the fact that she orders her prescribed marijuana
from a Health Canada-licensed distributor.

"I have my CanniMed medicine, but these people behind me need more
than just what Health Canada can provide, and it's not moving fast
enough for them," Hill said.

According to Hauk, one of his key reasons for operating the club is
the inability for patients to acquire anything other than dried
cannabis - such as edibles, oils or tinctures - through licensed
distributors.

Janice Dawson, who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair,
said edible marijuana relieves her pain and settles down her spasticity.

"It's not right that people who use edibles, that option isn't
available to us now," Dawson said.

Dawson said she is much more comfortable using marijuana as medicine
than other prescription drugs.

"All we're asking for is a choice," she said.

Hauk said the club will continue to hold rallies as his court case
proceeds.

"We have the ability to protest and be heard, and continue to spread
our message on social media," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt