Pubdate: Tue, 22 Mar 2016
Source: Journal-Pioneer, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2016 Journal-Pioneer
Contact:  http://www.journalpioneer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2789
Author: Nancy MacPhee
Page: A3

BIG PLANS

Craig Gaudet hopes to soon sell medicinal marijuana in Summerside's downtown.

Gaudet has an ambitious plan for a vacant Water Street building, 
known to many as either the old Royal Bank or Purple Parrot building.

His plans are for an unconventional health centre, which would 
include the province's first medical marijuana dispensary.

"What we are opening is a whole health and wellness centre," said 
Gaudet. "It is based on medical marijuana, but it is also going to 
have yoga, tai chi, massage, holistic healing, Chakara, herbalist 
healing - not just the dispensary."

A former reservist, Gaudet has used medical marijuana for more than 
15 years. He was injured in an accident 27 years ago where an 
armoured personnel carrier ran over and crushed his legs. Since, he's 
had close to 40 surgeries on his knees.

Gaudet had, at one time, used prescription drugs to help with his 
pain but since being prescribed medical marijuana, no longer uses the 
other drugs.

He believes he is legally entitled to sell medicinal marijuana within 
his centre to others who are prescribed the drug.

"The Supreme Court of Canada made it quite clear a couple of weeks 
ago that patients have the right to sell to other patients," he added.

Health Canada, on the other hand, according to its website, indicates 
that only producers who are authorized to produce and sell to the 
public "may sell or provide dried marijuana, fresh marijuana or 
cannabis oil to eligible persons."

And, in P. E. I., there are no such licences issued by Health Canada.

He also hopes to help facilitate the prescribing of medical marijuana.

"We will be looking at bringing in doctors to help patients get 
prescriptions. If not, we will be taking patients off the Island, in 
groups, to marijuana-friendly doctors."

Gaudet has yet to apply for a permit with the city for his new 
business, something, he added, he plans to do this week.

He has a silent partner in the business venture and says he is close 
to securing all the financing necessary to open his centre.

Gaudet has been in contact with the mayor and Chief Dave Poirier 
regarding his plans and has surveyed business in the area, with 
resistance from only one, he said.

"I have had a couple of phone conversations with Mr. Gaudet," said 
Poirier, who met with Gaudet once on the issue. "As far as we know 
Health Canada will not be approving any licences for this type of 
dispensary at this time."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom