Pubdate: Sun, 13 Dec 2015
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Wayne Emde
Page: A1

MEDICAL POT PROPONENTS GET VOCAL

Friday Rally at City Hall Draws About 50 Supporters

Approximately 50 cannabis and medical marijuana users, friends and 
supporters gathered at Vernon City Hall at noon on Friday to make a 
point about their use of the product.

"It's medicine, not a drug," was an often repeated statement by many 
of the proponents.

Jeff Gaudette, who owns MMJ Total Healthcare, organized the event to 
emphasize that what he and four other dispensaries offer goes beyond 
supplying marijuana to those who have a medical certificate.

"Most of the patients we meet have some kind of disability," he said.

"As a storefront, we offer accessibility, a compassionate staff and 
we're a lifeline for many people. You have to live with compassion."

Gaudette noted that some patients can order through the mail or over 
the internet, but some have no phone, no credit card and no internet access.

Kevin Gilchrist, who lives in Faquier, uses marijuana for pain in his 
foot and back. He's concerned about rumours that marijuana will be 
sold in liquor stores rather than what he terms compassionate outlets.

"I'm not hitchhiking 200 kilometres to visit a liquor store."

Gaudette also thought the liquor store model was not the answer.

"A first time user could walk in and purchase it for recreational use 
and it could go sideways real quick."

Although his shop and the others have been visited by the RCMP, he 
said that they were open on a rotating basis at present. He said he 
understands that the RCMP are responsible for upholding the law and 
that the situation requires a political solution.

Gaudette said when his shop was closed on Monday, some of his clients 
became angry because they then had to search out one of the other outlets.

Derek Goucher said he was there to support his friend Gaudette.

Semi-retired, he has used medical marijuana for the past four years. 
He noted that the stores are not open to the public. Patients are met 
at the counter and once their legitimacy is confirmed, are taken to a 
back room to receive their marijuana.

"It's not necessary to smoke it," he said.

Goucher also said that marijuana has been shown to inhibit the growth 
of cancerous tumours.

"One of my friends has a two inch brain tumour and he's trying 
marijuana in addition to the usual treatments."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom