COUPLE LAUNCHES MEDI-POT WEB SITE

100,136 hits and counting.

That's how many visits have been made to medicalmarihuana.com, a locally
launched Web site simplifying federal guidelines about applying for legal
possession and growing of pot by people under doctor's care.

The popular Web site was created by Duncan artist Eric Nash and partner
Wendy Little, who realized the demand for data about dope prescribed by
doctors.

"Wendy has a relative who's really ill with Parkinson's disease," says
Nash. "He said he's thinking of trying medical marijuana and he's curious
about the process."

The couple discovered a hodgepodge of Internet information while
researching the new laws for Little's relative.

"Information out there is scattered all over the place in various Health
Canada Web sites and not very user friendly," said Nash.

"But Wendy's a teacher and I've got web-design skills, so we thought 'Why
not use our skills to put them together on a Web site so people can access
the information really easily?'" The couple bought the medicalmarihuana.com
domain name Aug. 9 and opened their site Aug. 15.

"We've had phenomenal response, just mind-boggling," he said.

"I think there's a lot of curious people out there because it's such a new
process in Canada.

Patients must work through their doctor and Health Canada to gain an
Authorization To Possess Permit.

Permission comes under three categories. The first involves those suffering
conditions from which they're expected to die within 12 months.

Category two covers patients suffering severe pain, muscle spasms,
anorexia, weight loss, nausea or seizures associated with multiple
sclerosis, spinal chord injury or disease, cancer, AIDS, severe arthritis
or epilepsy.

The last category involves those suffering conditions outside categories
one and two for which conventional treatments have failed.

Effective July 31, pot could be prescribed under the federal Marijuana for
Medicinal Access Regulation.

Federal contractors are growing medical cannabis in a former mine in Flin
Flon, Man. That weed will be available in January, but Health Canada's
Melanie Sanchez says it's unknown if it will simply be sold at pharmacies.
"Doctors must tell patients how much they're allowed per day and must
specify amounts to be taken on the possession application form," she said.
Meanwhile, patients can apply for a Personal Use Production Licence to grow
their own pot or they can also use a designated, licenced grower.

Nash's comprehensive Web site explains the licensing process for patients
and growers. It also lists growers across Canada. There are no licensed
growers in the Valley yet.

"From our e-mails, there are those who want to know more about marijuana's
health aspects and how it affects physical conditions; growers and how they
can supply people; and those who support medical marijuana use for
compassionate grounds," Nash said.

Web site listings are free.