POT SMOKING PATIENT LEARNS PATIENCE

As if the long, painful road to recovery from a debilitating medical
condition wasn't enough, a Burnaby woman says she's being persecuted
for using marijuana to cope.

Two years ago, Olga Eredics finally gave in to her doctor's
suggestion to try medical marijuana after a bout with multiple
sclerosis left her in a wheelchair in 2002.

Although she still deals with tremendous pain every day, Eredics is
able to walk and exercise with the help of cannabis.

"I was against the idea at first because I had never smoked anything
in my life and it made no sense to me," she said. "But I wouldn't be
able to do my exercises without using it to get me through the pain."

Eredics credits prescribed cannabis for her livelihood, but it's also
been a source of abuse and emotional pain since she started using
it.

"There is a lot of negative scrutiny," she claims. "People look at me
with hate and scoff. People look at me like I'm a criminal."

The glares and comments have had an unfair psychological effect on
Eredics, who only feels comfortable lighting up in areas where people
recognize her.

The situation was made worse two weeks ago during an altercation with
security guards near the Metrotown area, which is part of Eredics'
daily walking route.

"They saw the marijuana and approached me and a friend," she recalls.
"They told me to get lost. When I told them I had my Health Canada
licence one of them called me scum. I couldn't believe it."

The situation was ultimately resolved, but Eredics says it's just the
latest example of society's ignorance.

"There is another side to what people see. I wouldn't be able to walk
without it," she pleads. "I just want to be seen as part of the
community."