MEDICINAL POT HARD TO COME BY

Rather than rely on a glacial government process, Edmontonians in
need of chronic pain relief are seeking more direct sources of
medical marijuana.

Phones have been ringing off the hook at Winnipeg clinics caring for
the terminally ill as people are fed up with the Health Canada
application process for medical marijuana.

"We're getting people from other organizations and other diseases
calling us to ask us if we know where to find a dealer," said a staff
worker with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba.

Director Tracy Brown said the calls surprise her but she added the MS
Society doesn't deal in dealers.

The Edmonton branch hasn't had any such calls from folks looking to
score so far, said Heidi Erisman, MS society manager for individual
and family services.

They have, however, had interest in their counselling groups, she
said. The society offers callers current information, said Erisman,
but doesn't endorse any type of drug or therapy for members.

People asking about medical uses for pot at the True North Hemp Co.
are fed up with doctor-prescribed medications, said co-manager Joanna
Couture.

"I don't think a lot of people rely on the government," she said,
adding many people come in complaining their medication makes them
too sick to eat unless they smoke a joint first.

Couture said most folks probably find a black-market source, and when
asked for one by the public she refers all enquiries to the Marijuana
Party or a Vancouver compassion club.

Health Canada rules for those who want to apply to use medical
marijuana took effect earlier this month.

Successful applicants must have a life expectancy of a year or less
or be in severe pain from a serious medical condition. Doctors or
medical specialists must support the application.