Lucas, Philippe
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101 CN BC: Additional Detox Beds To Cut WaitsSat, 31 Jan 2009
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Hatherly, Joanne Area:British Columbia Lines:86 Added:02/01/2009

Newly Renovated Unit Doubles Capacity; Homeless Could Benefit

Wait times to get into medical detox could be reduced by as much as two-thirds with the more than doubling of beds in Victoria's drug-treatment centres, a Victoria doctor says.

Dr. Laurence Bosley, who directs addiction services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, was one of a host of dignitaries who officially opened the newly renovated community medical detox unit at the Eric Martin Pavilion yesterday.

The unit will receive 14 new beds, while another seven post-detox "stabilization" beds will be opened at the Pembroke Street Withdrawal Management Services Unit, where patients can stay for longer periods.

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102 CN BC: Mobile Needle Service HamstrungMon, 01 Dec 2008
Source:Victoria News (CN BC) Author:Aldous, Rebecca Area:British Columbia Lines:67 Added:12/04/2008

The 'no-go' zone has got to go, says Harm Reduction Victoria.

The designated downtown zone in which no mobile needle exchange or drug supply distribution can occur is compromising the health of those in need, said Harm Reduction Victoria member Kim Toombs. Designated by the city's needle exchange advisory committee after the closure of AIDS Vancouver Island's fixed-site needle exchange on Cormorant Street in May, the zone spans west to east from Blanshard Street to Chambers Street and north to south from Balmoral Avenue to Yates Street, the heart of the IV drug users' community.

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103 CN BC: Group To Distribute Drug Gear DowntownSun, 30 Nov 2008
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Lavoie, Judith Area:British Columbia Lines:89 Added:12/01/2008

Harm Reduction Victoria Will Hand Out Needles And Supplies In 'No-Go' Zone

Harm Reduction Victoria, a grassroots group formed after the Cormorant Street needle exchange was closed May 31, is planning to hand out needles and supplies in the so-called "no-go" zone, the area bounded by Blanshard, Yates, Balmoral and Chambers streets.

"We're marking the six-month anniversary of closing of the Cormorant Street needle exchange by ensuring that an essential health service is provided for drug users, if only for a few hours," said Harm Reduction spokeswoman Kim Toombs. "This is a symbolic action that will also meet people's basic needs."

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104 CN BC: Pot Decision Celebrated by Medical Marijuana BoostersThu, 30 Oct 2008
Source:Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC) Author:Barron, Robert Area:British Columbia Lines:63 Added:10/31/2008

Restrictions on the sale and production of medicinal marijuana in Ottawa have been loosened, thanks to a decision by the Federal Court of Appeal.

That decision is being celebrated this week by those who provide marijuana to sick people.

Richard Payne, a member of the Mid-Island Compassion Society, set up in Nanaimo earlier this year to provide medicinal marijuana, said it's a decision that should have been made a long time ago.

"It's pitiful that the federal government has insisted on maintaining a monopoly over the production and sale of medicinal marijuana in this country in the first place," he said. "Marijuana is essentially just a natural plant and people with sicknesses that can be helped using it should be able to take care of themselves without government interference."

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105 US WA: Revelry, Politics Mix at HempfestSun, 17 Aug 2008
Source:Seattle Times (WA) Author:Young, Bob Area:Washington Lines:83 Added:08/17/2008

Activists irate about a proposed state limit on medical marijuana urged crowds Saturday at Seattle's 17th annual Hempfest festival to rally at an Aug. 25 Department of Health hearing in Tumwater.

It wasn't all peace, love and Hacky Sack at Seattle's 17th annual Hempfest.

Activists irate about a proposed state limit on medical marijuana urged crowds Saturday at the pro-pot festival to rally at an Aug. 25 Department of Health hearing in Tumwater.

Their target is a new state rule that would limit the 60-day supply for medical marijuana to 24 ounces and six mature pot plants.

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106 Web: Hot Off The 'Net and What YOU Can Do This WeekFri, 15 Aug 2008
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:133 Added:08/15/2008



Conservatives should oppose federal prosecution of medical marijuana providers

By Jacob Sullum

http://www.reason.com/news/show/128062.html



http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Movies/66150-16-greatest-stoner-movies/



Norm Stamper is a cop who saw it all during his 34 years on active duty. As police of Seattle from 1994 through 2000, he was in charge during violent World Trade Organization protests in the Emerald City.

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107 CN BC: PUB LTE: Get To Work Now To Restore Needle ExchangeSun, 06 Jul 2008
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Lucas, Philippe Area:British Columbia Lines:41 Added:07/06/2008

As a former school teacher and childcare worker in Victoria, I can understand and echo the concerns of community members and parents worried about discarded needles in the Harris Green neighbourhood, where I've worked for the past six years.

However, research suggests that needle exchange services increase safe disposal practices by users, decrease used needles on our streets and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C -- all of which improve the personal and public health of the region.

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108 CN BC: Compassion Club Seeks ExpansionWed, 21 May 2008
Source:Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Author:Walker, Dustin Area:British Columbia Lines:73 Added:05/26/2008

Nanaimo Group Hopes to Secure a Downtown Location to Provide Marijuana to Medical Users Across the Region.

NANAIMO I A group that provides marijuana to sick people hopes to expand into a storefront location in downtown Nanaimo within a few weeks.

Resident James Younger has been delivering pot on his bicycle to about half a dozen chronically ill residents in the city for the past few months, but has now partnered with Nanaimo marijuana activist Richard Payne to expand and establish the Mid-Island Compassion Society.

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109 CN BC: Duo Pushing For Pot ClubWed, 21 May 2008
Source:Harbour City Star (CN BC) Author:Walker, Dustin Area:British Columbia Lines:83 Added:05/22/2008

A group that provides marijuana to sick people hopes to expand into a storefront location in downtown Nanaimo within a few weeks.

Local resident James Younger has been delivering pot on his bicycle to about half a dozen chronically ill residents in the city for the past few months, but has now partnered with Nanaimo marijuana activist Richard Payne to expand and physically establish the Mid-Island Compassion Society.

A downtown location would provide a source of safe, clean marijuana to more medical users throughout the region who currently have to buy the drug on the streets or travel to organizations in Victoria, such as the Vancouver Island Compassion Club, that sell pot to patients, Payne said.

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110 CN BC: Duo Seeks to Sell Medicinal PotTue, 20 May 2008
Source:Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC) Author:Walker, Dustin Area:British Columbia Lines:87 Added:05/20/2008

Some say the ill should have easy access to the drug: Two Nanaimo men say they are in talks to rent space for their Compassion Society

A group that provides marijuana to sick people hopes to expand into a storefront location in downtown Nanaimo within a few weeks.

Local resident James Younger has been delivering pot on his bicycle to about half a dozen chronically ill residents in the city for the past few months, but has now partnered with Nanaimo marijuana activist Richard Payne to expand and physically establish the Mid-Island Compassion Society.

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111 Web: Hot Off The 'Net and What YOU Can Do This WeekFri, 25 Apr 2008
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:129 Added:04/25/2008



By Ethan Nadelmann, Drug Policy Alliance

The U.S. dwarfs the rest of the world when it comes to locking up its citizens, due in large part to madness of our incarceration policies.

http://alternet.org/drugreporter/83434/



The Supreme Court of Canada ruled today that two random searches conducted by dog sniffers were unlawful.

http://drugsense.org/url/90i8augi



By Malakkar Vohryzek

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112 Web: Drugsense Weekly, April 4, 2008 #543Fri, 04 Apr 2008
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:107 Added:04/04/2008

Read This Publication On-line at: http://www.drugsense.org/current.htm

* This Just In

(1) Cannabis: Tough Penalties On Way After Another Change Of Mind

(2) Council Opposes Federal Raids On Medical Pot Clinics

(3) Freedom Eludes Many Crack Inmates

(4) Couple Cries Foul After Police Issue Drug Search Warrant

* Weekly News in Review

Drug Policy

(5) Column: War On Drugs A Total Bust

(6) Editorial: If Drugs Are It, Acquit

(7) Edu: Senate Passes Legislation To Amend Drug Policy

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113 Web: Hot Off The 'Net and What YOU Can Do This WeekFri, 04 Apr 2008
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:166 Added:04/04/2008



By Pete Guiter at Drugwarrant.com

http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/2008/03/31.html#a2777



The report below is a fascinating read from the Florida NGO Consultation. They did not invite drug policy reformers to participate in their forum, and the report below reflects their mindset. It was a completely different experience from the Vancouver NGO Consultation. (See http://carbc.ca/portals/0/resources/Beyond2008.pdf )

http://www.spcollege.edu/central/collaborative/08/DFAF/DFAF_RTR.HTM

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114 CN BC: Marijuana Prescriptions Getting Lost in SmokeSat, 22 Mar 2008
Source:Cowichan News Leader (CN BC)          Area:British Columbia Lines:97 Added:03/22/2008

Since the current incarnation of Canada's medical marijuana program was established, doctors have been forced by Health Canada to act as sentinels for a product whose complexities, methods of delivery and side effects they have little firsthand information.

It's a situation that leaves many physicians hesitant to sign their names to the documents required for patients to access government pot.

"Our No. 1 complaint is that patients can't find a doctor who will endorse their MMAD application," says Eric Nash of Duncan's Island Harvest.

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115 CN BC: Blowing SmokeWed, 27 Feb 2008
Source:Monday Magazine (CN BC) Author:Youmans, Jason Area:British Columbia Lines:439 Added:02/27/2008

When Victoria's Tim Wilkins realized his Health Canada licence to possess medical cannabis was set to expire last year, he diligently filled out the eight-page renewal form, paid $65 to obtain his physician's signature and submitted the package to Health Canada's Marihuana Medical Access Division in Ottawa on August 22-13 weeks before it was due.

"I'd dealt with [MMAD] for a few years, so I knew how long it could take," says Wilkins, who declined to let Monday publish his real last name, fearing the stigma still attached to medical cannabis use. On November 27 Wilkins' new license arrived-five weeks after the promised eight-week processing period had passed-and three days after the old one had already expired.

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116 CN BC: Doubtful DoctorsWed, 27 Feb 2008
Source:Monday Magazine (CN BC) Author:Youmans, Jason Area:British Columbia Lines:101 Added:02/27/2008

Since the current incarnation of Canada's medical marijuana program was established, doctors have been forced by Health Canada to act as sentinel for a product whose complexities, methods of delivery and side effects they have little firsthand information-a situation that leaves many physicians hesitant to sign their names to the documents required for patients to access government pot.

"Our number one complaint is that patients can't find a doctor who will endorse their MMAD application," says Eric Nash of Duncan's Island Harvest.

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117 CN BC: Illusion of AccessWed, 27 Feb 2008
Source:Monday Magazine (CN BC) Author:Youmans, Jason Area:British Columbia Lines:75 Added:02/27/2008

It is only thanks to favourable decisions by a handful of committed lawyers and sympathetic judges that Canada boasts even the anaemic national medical cannabis program it has today.

The slow march toward establishing the rights of the sick to access therapeutic pot began in 1999 when a superior court judge recognized Ontario resident Jim Wakeford's right to grow and possess cannabis to treat symptoms of his HIV/AIDS without fear of legal recourse by the state. In response to that ruling, Health Canada declared it would henceforth allow clients meeting its vague criteria to receive an exemption to Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

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118 Canada: OPED: Eight Years of Reefer MadnessWed, 27 Feb 2008
Source:National Post (Canada) Author:Preston, Brian Area:Canada Lines:147 Added:02/27/2008

Why Can't Ottawa Deliver a Sensible, Humane Medicinal-Marijuana Program?

Jim Kerr was making lunch one Friday afternoon last month when seven police officers burst in, put him up against the wall and handcuffed him.

"I have multiple sclerosis and grow marijuana for it," he told them.

"Shut up," said an officer. "You're not under arrest yet."

"The marijuana is upstairs in a room I keep locked when the kids are home," he said.

"Shut up," he was told again. From upstairs came the gleeful howls of policemen: "We got it! Bust him!"

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119 Web: Hot Off The 'Net and What YOU Can Do This WeekFri, 15 Feb 2008
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:114 Added:02/15/2008



By Bill Conroy

Presented at the Narcosphere

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/story/2008/2/10/173039/177



By Paul Armentano, AlterNet. Posted February 12, 2008.

Changing public opinion about pot isn't easy. Changing America's anti- pot laws is even harder -- here's a blueprint to get it done.

http://alternet.org/drugreporter/76698/



Cultural Baggage Radio Show - 02/13/08 - Philippe Lucas

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120 CN BC: Plenty O' Pot NewsWed, 16 Jan 2008
Source:Monday Magazine (CN BC) Author:Youmans, Jason Area:British Columbia Lines:63 Added:01/16/2008

Lawyers for the Vancouver Island Compassion Society (VICS) will be back in court in February to defend the organization's constitutional right to distribute medical cannabis, despite the death of the judge who was presiding over the now two-year-old trial.

VICS defence lawyer Kirk Tousaw was informed by Madame Justice Marvyn Koenigsberg on Monday the case will continue next month from where it left off in November, before the fatal heart attack of Justice Robert Edwards.

VICS executive director Philippe Lucas says that's good new for his group, which has spent $200,000 defending Mike Swallow and Mat Beren against charges stemming from a 2004 police raid on a grow operation the group managed at an East Sooke property.

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121 CN BC: Judge's Death Puts Cases In JeopardyWed, 19 Dec 2007
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Watts, Richard Area:British Columbia Lines:54 Added:12/19/2007

Crown and defence lawyers are working to keep on track two long-running and ongoing Victoria cases temporarily delayed by the sudden death of a Supreme Court judge.

Conferences have been scheduled for January to make sure of continuations of the murder trial of Ruby Ann Ruffolo and the constitutional challenge to the marijuana charges levelled at two men arrested in a raid on a house used by the Vancouver Island Compassion Society as a grow operation.

Both cases were the responsibility of Justice Robert Edwards, who died suddenly on Nov. 5, at the age of 61. Those cases have been handed to Justice M. Marvyn Koenigsberg.

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122 Web: Hot Off The 'Net and What YOU Can Do This WeekFri, 09 Nov 2007
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:121 Added:11/09/2007

Cultural Baggage Radio Show

11/07/07 - Bruce Mirken, Marijuana Policy Project, Debate: DEA's Dr. David Murray & Dr. Ethan Nadelmann of Drug Policy Alliance

Audio: http://drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_110707.mp3

Century of Lies

11/06/07 Philippe Lucas, Vancouver Island Compassion Society

Audio: http://drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/COL_110607.mp3



By Jacob Sullum, November 6, 2007

A Swiss study reported in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine finds that teenagers who smoke just marijuana seem to be better adjusted than teenagers who smoke tobacco as well as pot.

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123 CN NK: Northside Man Wants Medical-Pot Regulations RelaxedThu, 01 Nov 2007
Source:Daily Gleaner (CN NK) Author:Staples, Michael Area:New Brunswick Lines:102 Added:11/05/2007

Rocky Paul has been using medical marijuana to control pain and other discomforts for the last seven years.

The St. Mary's First Nation resident would like to see the rules eased up a bit so that those who need the drug can get it more easily.

Paul said as many as 30 pages of documents have to be filled out once a year by patients and their doctors in order to continue to qualify for the licence.

"What marijuana does is it helps me through the day," he said. "I smoke maybe a couple of joints a day; I really need it."

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124 CN BC: PUB LTE: Compassion Clubs a Better AlternativeTue, 28 Aug 2007
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Lucas, Philippe Area:British Columbia Lines:53 Added:09/01/2007

Re: "Health Canada pot worth every penny," letter, Aug. 23.

Brent Zettl, the president of Prairie Plant Systems, claims compassion clubs charge $10 per gram for cannabis, while Health Canada only charges $5 for access to the 12 per cent-THC cannabis produced by his company.

First of all, he's just plain wrong.

Non-profit, community-based dispensaries like the Vancouver Island Compassion Society carry a wide selection of organically grown cannabis of 15 to 25 per cent THC that ranges from $5 to $10 per gram, as well as even more affordable alternatives to smoking that include baked goods, oils, tinctures, and even cutting-edge oromucosal sprays.

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125 Web: Weekly News In ReviewFri, 17 Aug 2007
Source:DrugSense Weekly (DSW)                 Lines:1051 Added:08/17/2007

(1) COUPLE FOUND GUILTY IN POT CASE

Pubdate: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Copyright: 2007 The Sacramento Bee Author: Denny Walsh, Bee Staff Writer

El Dorado Doctor and Husband Insist Their Plants Are Medicinal.

An El Dorado County couple who insist they treat marijuana only as a medicine, but who ran afoul of the federal government's zero tolerance for the drug, were found guilty Thursday by a Sacramento jury of conspiring to grow and distribute marijuana.

It took the jury less than three hours on the 10th day of trial to convict Marion P. "Mollie" Fry, a physician, and her attorney husband, Dale C. Schafer, of a conspiracy to distribute and grow at least 100 plants.

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126US CA: Column: Real Reason For Haiti RaidThu, 26 Jul 2007
Source:Monterey County Herald (CA) Author:Yewell, John Area:California Lines:Excerpt Added:07/30/2007

There were new suggestions this week that a raid 10 days ago by Haiti's police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration may have been an attempt to silence one of the leaders of a 2004 coup that toppled Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide - a coup many believe was orchestrated by the United States.

Guy Philippe, the target of the raid, avoided capture and is now in hiding. He has since been heard on Haitian radio claiming his attempted arrest was for political reasons.

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127 CN ON: PUB LTE: Inspectors Are There To Count Cannabis PlantsSun, 29 Jul 2007
Source:Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Author:Lucas, Philippe Area:Ontario Lines:40 Added:07/29/2007

Re: "Inspectors needed now" (July 27). Kerry Thompson is right, both legal medical cannabis users and their neighbours would benefit greatly if Health Canada hired inspectors to ensure the safety of legal medical cannabis cultivation facilities; however, this may be wishful thinking.

The inspectors' job, unfortunately, has nothing to do with safety: The inspectors hired by Health Canada are there to count cannabis plants, period. As has been amply demonstrated throughout the life of this much-maligned federal program, the government's interest and actions are focused on the moral and legal regulation of some of our sickest citizens. The function the inspectors serve is the equivalent of having your drugstore hire a stranger to come in and rifle through your medicine cabinet.

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128 CN QU: Your Fate If Arrested For Pot Smoking?Sun, 08 Jul 2007
Source:Chronicle, The (CN QU)          Area:Quebec Lines:231 Added:07/08/2007

MONTREAL (CP) - Marc-Boris St-Maurice has been arrested so many times for marijuana possession that he serves as a one-man clinical study in the fate reserved for those caught with small amounts of pot.

The study's theme would be inconsistency.

The Montreal pot activist has been arrested about seven times and on a handful of other occasions he's been left alone by police without so much as a slap on the wrist.

His mishmash of experiences with authority offers a glimpse into a law whose application appears at best erratic, and at worst improvised and arbitrary.

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129 CN ON: Pot Busts Surge In Some Cities Now ThatSun, 08 Jul 2007
Source:Chronicle-Journal, The (CN ON) Author:Panetta, Alexander Area:Ontario Lines:237 Added:07/08/2007

OTTAWA (CP) - The number of people arrested for smoking pot rose dramatically in several Canadian cities last year after the Conservatives took office and killed a bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

The spike in arrests for simple possession of cannabis appears in data compiled by The Canadian Press from municipal police forces through interviews and Access to Information Act requests.

National statistics will only be released next week but preliminary figures suggest the number of arrests jumped by more than one-third in several Canadian cities.

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130 Canada: Unpaid Bills Mount Over Ottawa's PotTue, 03 Jul 2007
Source:Globe and Mail (Canada) Author:Clark, Brennan Area:Canada Lines:206 Added:07/03/2007

Registered Users Refuse To Pay For Government-Grown Cannabis They Say Is Low In Quality And Overpriced

VICTORIA -- For all Jason Wilcox cares, Health Canada's debt collectors can follow him to the grave.

Mr. Wilcox, a terminally ill medical marijuana user living in Victoria, owes the federal government more than $6,400 for cannabis he purchased through Health Canada's medical marijuana program last winter.

But like many who subscribe to the federal program, Mr. Wilcox is neither able nor willing to pay for his government-grown pot.

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131 Canada: Feds' Pot GougeThu, 14 Jun 2007
Source:NOW Magazine (CN ON) Author:Mernagh, Matt Area:Canada Lines:86 Added:06/14/2007

Activists Call on Auditor General to Investigate 1,500 Per Cent Markup on Government Dope

The days of health canada marking up medical marijuana to the tune of 1,500 per cent may be nearing an end. Or are they?

Word from NDP health critic MP Libby Davies is that the office of Auditor General Sheila Fraser is "in the early stages of an audit of certain user fees" being charged medical pot users by Health Canada's Medical Marihuana Access Division.

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132 CN BC: Unpaid Pot Bills a Chronic ProblemFri, 08 Jun 2007
Source:Goldstream Gazette (Victoria, CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:104 Added:06/09/2007

Any other terminally ill patient in Canada would have all his prescriptions covered by the Canadian health care system.

Jason Wilcox owes so much money for his medication, Health Canada has cut off his supply and threatened to send a collection agency after him.

Wilcox, a James Bay resident, is one of about 149 federally approved medical marijuana patients who have either failed to pay or refused to pay for their government grown pot, leaving the government with more than $140,000 in unpaid pot bills.

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133 CN BC: Unpaid Pot Bills Poses Chronic ProblemWed, 06 Jun 2007
Source:Oak Bay News (CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:107 Added:06/07/2007

Government threatens medical marijuana patients with collection action for prescription marijuana

Any other terminally ill patient in Canada would have all his prescriptions covered by the Canadian health care system.

Jason Wilcox owes so much money for his medication, Health Canada has cut off his supply and threatened to send a collection agency after him.

Wilcox, a James Bay resident, is one of about 149 federally approved medical marijuana patients who have either failed to pay or refused to pay for their government grown pot, leaving the government with more than $140,000 in unpaid pot bills.

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134 CN BC: Unpaid Pot Bills Pose Chronic ProblemFri, 01 Jun 2007
Source:Victoria News (CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:109 Added:06/03/2007

Off Their Pot

Medical Marijuana Patients Threatened Within Collection Action

Any other terminally ill patient in Canada would have all his prescriptions covered by the Canadian health care system.

Jason Wilcox owes so much money for his medication, Health Canada has cut off his supply and threatened to send a collection agency after him.

Wilcox, a James Bay resident, is one of about 149 federally approved medical marijuana patients who have either failed to pay or refused to pay for their government grown pot, leaving the government with more than $140,000 in unpaid pot bills.

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135 CN BC: Unpaid Pot Bills Chronic ProblemFri, 01 Jun 2007
Source:Saanich News (CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:107 Added:06/02/2007

Medical Marijuana Patients Threatened By Collection Action

Any other terminally ill patient in Canada would have all his prescriptions covered by the Canadian health care system.

Jason Wilcox owes so much money for his medication, Health Canada has cut off his supply and threatened to send a collection agency after him.

Wilcox, a James Bay resident, is one of about 149 federally approved medical marijuana patients who have either failed to pay or refused to pay for their government grown pot, leaving the government with more than $140,000 in unpaid pot bills.

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136 CN BC: Pot Challenge Gets High-Profile HelpThu, 24 May 2007
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Watts, Richard Area:British Columbia Lines:76 Added:05/24/2007

MP, Senator Offer to Help Islander's Medical Marijuana Court Case

Philippe Lucas, founder of the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, is flying high.

As a supplier of medical marijuana and political activist bent on reforming Canada's pot laws, Lucas has a supportive MP in Vancouver East New Democrat Libby Davies.

He has what he called "an interested and engaged judge" in Justice Robert Edwards, now hearing the society's Charter of Rights challenge arising from a raid on the compassion society's grow-operation near Sooke. And he has a Tory Senator, Pierre Claude Nolin, to testify for the society when the trial resumes on June 11.

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137 CN BC: Court Case Set To Argue Grow-Op As A Civil RightFri, 11 May 2007
Source:Oak Bay News (CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:66 Added:05/14/2007

Vancouver Island Compassion Society planning constitutional challenge in defence of pot bust

To the prosecution, it's a simple case of production for the purposes of trafficking, involving two local men caught red-handed growing a crop of 900 marijuana plants on an acreage in East Sooke.

To Vancouver Island Compassion Society founder Philippe Lucas, it's a constitutional challenge of Canada's medical marijuana laws.

Lawyers were in court in Victoria this week arguing that the two men arrested in the May, 2004 raid, Mat Beren and Michael Swallow, were operating a marijuana research and cultivation facility on behalf of the society.

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138 CN BC: Compassion Society Challenges Pot BustFri, 11 May 2007
Source:Victoria News (CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:64 Added:05/14/2007

To the prosecution, it's a simple case of production for the purposes of trafficking, involving two local men caught red-handed growing a crop of 900 marijuana plants on an acreage in East Sooke.

To Vancouver Island Compassion Society founder Philippe Lucas, it's a constitutional challenge of Canada's medical marijuana laws.

Lawyers were in court in Victoria this week arguing that the two men arrested in the May 2004 raid, Mat Beren and Michael Swallow, were operating a marijuana research and cultivation facility on behalf of the society.

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139 CN BC: Grow-Op Bust Brings Out Pot AdvocatesFri, 11 May 2007
Source:Goldstream Gazette (Victoria, CN BC) Author:Clarke, Brennan Area:British Columbia Lines:63 Added:05/12/2007

To the prosecution, it's a simple case of production for the purposes of trafficking, involving two local men caught red-handed growing a crop of 900 marijuana plants on an acreage in East Sooke.

To Vancouver Island Compassion Society founder Philippe Lucas, it's a constitutional challenge to Canada's medical marijuana laws.

Lawyers were in court in Victoria this week arguing that the two men arrested in the May, 2004 raid, Mat Beren and Michael Swallow, were operating a marijuana research and cultivation facility on behalf of the society.

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140 CN BC: Trying Medical MarijuanaWed, 09 May 2007
Source:Monday Magazine (CN BC) Author:MacLeod, Andrew Area:British Columbia Lines:131 Added:05/10/2007

Busted Growers Aim To Smoke Health Canada Program

If Victoria deputy police chief Bill Naughton takes the stand in a drug trial starting this week, he will testify on behalf of two men accused of growing marijuana. While it's strange for a police officer to defend alleged pot growers in court--and it's not yet certain he will appear--the grow-op in question was an unusual one.

West Shore RCMP officers arrested Michael Swallow and Mathew Beren during a May, 2004, raid of an East Sooke site that provided high quality cannabis to the Vancouver Island Compassion Society. The VICS, in turn, supplied the cannabis from the site to patients who were using it to treat various ailments.

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141 CN BC: Guardian Angels Encounter TurbulenceSat, 05 May 2007
Source:Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Author:Lavoie, Judith Area:British Columbia Lines:118 Added:05/05/2007

The distinctive paramilitary gear of the Guardian Angels, who are in Victoria on a fact-finding mission, triggered passionate reaction downtown yesterday afternoon.

Two Guardian Angels co-ordinators, dressed in red, military-style berets, red bomber jackets with the wings of the Angels emblazoned across their backs, and red and white T-shirts, hardly started their news conference beside the Johnson Street Bridge, before hecklers took over.

"We just don't need citizens on our streets in red hats and American-style law-and-order. Please don't spread your ideas round here," said Bob Dechambeau, a Cormorant Street resident.

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142 CN BC: Pot Champ Among UVIC HonoureesWed, 02 May 2007
Source:Goldstream Gazette (Victoria, CN BC)          Area:British Columbia Lines:44 Added:05/05/2007

Over the years, Philippe Lucas has proven himself an effective advocate for reforming Canada's drug laws.

It turns out he's also a pretty good student.

Lucas was one of three University of Victoria students who received an award for $2,500 last month for "remarkable volunteer contributions to the university and/or Greater Victoria community while maintaining at least a B average."

A master's student in the study for policy and practice, Lucas is vice-chair of the City of Victoria's downtown advisory committee, he sits on the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, and works closely with the Vancouver Island Compassion Society as well as the committee to end homelessness in Victoria.

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143 CN BC: Edu: Outstanding Students Recognized For CommunityThu, 03 May 2007
Source:Ring, The (U of Victoria, CN BC Edu)          Area:British Columbia Lines:96 Added:05/04/2007

Eight University of Victoria students who excel both in and out of the classroom are recipients of this year's Blue and Gold Awards. The students were honoured for their remarkable volunteer contributions to the university and/or the Greater Victoria community while maintaining at least a B average.

Three students, Matthew Cooper, Amanda Laliberte and Philippe Lucas, received $2,500 awards while five students, Brian Buchan, Catherine Etmanski, Ian Hussey, Kevin Lee and Jonathan Morris, received $1,000 awards.

The Blue and Gold Awards receive financial support from CIBC.

[continues 541 words]

144 Canada: This Bud Is Not For YouThu, 26 Apr 2007
Source:View Magazine (Hamilton, CN ON) Author:Noiles, Willy Area:Canada Lines:128 Added:04/29/2007

Critics say Health Canada is profiting off the sick and dying after it was revealed the government-run agency is charging patients 15 times more for medicinal marijuana than it pays to buy weed in bulk. Records obtained by the Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act reveal that Health Canada has a 1,500 per cent mark-up on the marijuana it gets from its sole supplier.

"It makes me sick to know this is happening, that this is how Health Canada treats people," says Burlington activist and medicinal marijuana user Alison Myrden. "I'd like to see them justify this atrocity." Myrden uses marijuana to relieve the debilitating pain caused by Tic Douloureux, a "violent, electrical pain in the face" that four per cent of MS patients get. Without marijuana she said she'd be popping 32 pills of Morphine a day. "I don't want to do that anymore."

[continues 840 words]

145 CN BC: High AchieverFri, 27 Apr 2007
Source:Victoria News (CN BC)          Area:British Columbia Lines:37 Added:04/28/2007

Medical marijuana advocate Philippe Lucas is one of three students who received $2,500 awards last week for "remarkable volunteer contributions" to the University of Victoria and the community while maintaining at least a B average.

A master's student in the studying policy and practice, Lucas is vice-chair of the City of Victoria downtown advisory committee, sits on the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C., and works closely with the Vancouver Island Compassion Society and the committee to end homelessness in Victoria.

The other winners were chemistry student Matthew Cooper for his work with adult learners and Amanda Laliberte, a third-year visual arts student who played a key role in organizing a Metis youth group in Greater Victoria.

[end]

146 CN BC: Pot Champ Among UVIC HonoureesFri, 27 Apr 2007
Source:Saanich News (CN BC)          Area:British Columbia Lines:41 Added:04/27/2007

Over the years, Philippe Lucas has proven himself an effective advocate for reforming Canada's drug laws. It turns out he's also a pretty good student.

Lucas was one of three University of Victoria students who received an award for $2,500 last week for "remarkable volunteer contributions to the university and/or Greater Victoria community while maintaining at least a B average.

A master's student in the study for policy and practice, Lucas is vice-chair of the City of Victoria's downtown advisory committee, he sits on the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, and works closely with the Vancouver Island Compassion Society as well as the committee to end homelessness in Victoria.

The other winners were chemistry student Matthew Cooper for his work with adult learners and Amanda Laliberte, a third-year visual arts student, who played a key role in organizing a Metis youth group in Greater Victoria.

[end]

147 Canada: Mind-Blowing Markup for Medicinal PotMon, 16 Apr 2007
Source:Toronto Star (CN ON) Author:Beeby, Dean Area:Canada Lines:72 Added:04/16/2007

Critics Complain Sickest Users Forced to Pay 'Criminal' Price

OTTAWA-The federal government charges patients 15 times more for certified medical marijuana than it pays to buy the weed in bulk from its official supplier, newly released documents show.

Critics say it's unconscionable to charge that high a markup to some of the sickest citizens, who have little income and are often cut off from their medical marijuana when they cannot pay their government dope bills.

Records obtained under the Access to Information Act show Health Canada pays $328.75 per kilogram of bulk medical marijuana produced by Prairie Plant Systems Inc. It has a $10.3-million contract with Health Canada that expires Sept. 30, to grow standardized medical marijuana in an abandoned mine shaft in Flin Flon, Man.

[continues 333 words]

148 Canada: Federal Government Selling Medical Marijuana 'For Criminal Street PricesMon, 16 Apr 2007
Source:Chronicle Herald (CN NS) Author:Beeby, Dean Area:Canada Lines:80 Added:04/16/2007

OTTAWA - The federal government charges patients 15 times more for certified medical marijuana than it pays to buy the weed in bulk from its official supplier, documents show.

Critics say it's unconscionable to charge that high a markup to some of the country's sickest citizens, who have little income and are often cut off from their medical marijuana supply when they can't pay their government dope bills.

Records obtained under the Access to Information Act show that Health Canada pays $328.75 for each kilogram of bulk medical marijuana produced by Prairie Plant Systems Inc.

[continues 393 words]

149 Media Awareness Project & DrugSenseSun, 01 Apr 2007
Source:Cannabis Culture Author:Greer, Mark        Lines:131 Added:04/16/2007

Fighting Prohibition Online

Anyone interested in changing public policy is smart to employ major media such as newspaper, radio and television as a vital component in key strategies, just as most of the significant political movements of years past have done. Changing any policy requires the attention and support of mainstream journalists, reporters, and public commentators. In a drug war based on misinformation and lies generated by government propaganda, science and reason are powerful tools for changing public perception.

The Media Awareness Project (MAP) began in 1996 when Matt Elrod of British Columbia and Mark Greer of California decided to build the world's most powerful online tool for reforming failed drug policies (www.mapinc.org). MAP's mission is to promote accuracy and balanced coverage of drug policy topics in the media. Citizen activists can influence progressive change in media coverage of the drug war by directing media to cover events and news stories and arranging interviews with key individuals and drug policy reform organizations. The easiest and most effective way for the average citizen to have a stronger voice is by submitting Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Opinion Editorials (OPEDs) to newspapers. That's why MAP's efforts to make the media more aware of drug policy starts with print and newspaper media; as written coverage of important drug policy issues increases a corresponding boost can be seen in radio and television reporting. Increased reporting on these topics at local levels expands to more attention at state and provincial levels, which gives way to national and international discussion.

[continues 667 words]

150 Canada: Ottawa Puts High Price Tag on Its PotMon, 16 Apr 2007
Source:Globe and Mail (Canada) Author:Beeby, Dean Area:Canada Lines:89 Added:04/16/2007

OTTAWA -- The federal government charges patients 15 times more for certified medical marijuana than it pays to buy the weed in bulk from its official supplier, newly released documents show.

Critics say it's unconscionable to charge that high a markup to some of the country's sickest citizens, who have little income and are often cut off from their medical marijuana supply when they can't pay their government dope bills.

Records obtained under the Access to Information Act show that Health Canada pays $328.75 for each kilogram of bulk medical marijuana produced by Prairie Plant Systems Inc.

[continues 466 words]


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