CANADA EXPANDS MEDICINAL USE OF MARIJUANA

Under new rules that took effect in Canada on Monday, Canadians who are
terminally ill or suffering from certain chronic illnesses may grow and
smoke their own marijuana.

Despite protests from doctors who argue that they will now be under
pressure to prescribe a substance of unproven medical value, the Canadian
government greatly expanded a program that previously had limited medical
marijuana to about 300 people nationwide.

Now, with a doctor's certificate, anyone with a terminal illness or
suffering from certain chronic conditions can apply for a government ID
card allowing them access to the drug.

Those suffering serious pain from cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis,
epilepsy and arthritis, glaucoma and spinal cord problems can qualify.

"This compassionate measure will improve the quality of life of sick
Canadians, particularly those who are terminally ill," said Health Minister
Allan Rock.

Medical marijuana advocates have had a sympathetic ear in Rock, who
acknowledged two years ago that he had used marijuana.

The new policy stems from a 1996 case involving Terrence Parker, a man with
epilepsy who said the drug was the only way to control his seizures. He
sued for the right to have access to marijuana after being arrested many
times for possession, cultivation and trafficking.

Last summer, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that keeping marijuana
illegal violated the rights of those who can demonstrate medical need.

The policy stands in contrast to the United States. Eight states had
permitted limited consumption for medicinal use, but the U.S. Supreme Court
ruled in May that there should be no exceptions in federal law, even for
relieving symptoms of serious illness.

For those who can't grow their own, the Canadian government has licensed a
company to provide a reliable supply. Prairie Plant Systems Inc. will grow
the plants in a mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and produce marijuana cigarettes.

Licensed patients will receive a 30-day supply at a time.

Marijuana grown for medical use has 6 percent THC, the primary active
ingredient, compared to levels of 15 percent to 18 percent in street marijuana.

Jake Peters, a 51-year-old Toronto man who received a medical exemption in
April, said he is pleased there is now an alternative to dealing with
"unsavory characters who carry weapons."

Peters, who did not want to disclose the illness for which he is using the
drug, said he is unenthusiastic about trying the government supply, however.

"I have asthma, so when I smoke, it's better that I have more potent
marijuana so I don't have to smoke so much of it," he said. The drug's
effects have helped him live better, if not longer, he believes.

"It relaxes me, I feel less pain, it stimulates my appetite, and makes me
sleep," he said.

Canada's doctors are wary.

"We are still disappointed the fundamental medical issues of quality,
efficacy and patient safety have been ignored," the Canadian Medical
Association said in a statement.

"These regulations are placing Canadian physicians and their patients in
the precarious position of attempting to access a product that has not gone
through the normal protocols of rigorous premarket testing," the group said.

Although the new law makes limited cultivation legal, possessing marijuana
seeds is still against the law. It will take time for the government
distribution system to work; in the meantime, the illegal underground
supply networks will continue.