CANADA LAW ALLOWS MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

Many Decry Red Tape As New Legislation Kicks In This Week

TORONTO -- New regulations took effect Monday expanding the number of
Canadians allowed to use medicinal marijuana, but those eligible say the
system resembles a bureaucratic maze likely to delay hundreds more from
participating.

The rules are part of the first system in the world that includes a
government-approved and paid-for supply of marijuana for people suffering
from terminal illnesses and chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis
or severe arthritis.

Patients may grow their own pot, or designate someone to grow it for them.
In addition, the health department is paying a Saskatchewan company to grow
government marijuana for eligible patients and use in research.

While medicinal marijuana advocates in the United States look at the
Canadian system with envy, some users north of the border complain hurdles
remain in place.

``I still have to fend for myself,'' said Jim Bridges, 37, who already has
government permission to use marijuana for the pain and nausea of AIDS. He
automatically comes under the new regulations, but is awaiting word on how
to submit a photo for the identification card legal pot smokers will have
to carry.

To join, applicants must submit verifiable medical records and have a
doctor's endorsement. Cases except for critically terminal patients require
further supporting documents from another doctor.

The new rules permit drug possession for the terminally ill with a
prognosis of death within one year; those with symptoms associated with
specific serious medical conditions; and those with other medical
conditions who have statements from two doctors saying conventional
treatments have not worked. Eligible patients include those with severe
arthritis, cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.