BOYSTOWN BUD CHAIN BLOOMS

All that's missing is cast of Weeds at Compassion Centre's second
club

The paint is fresh, the ceilings are high and the empathy is tangible
in this renovated old mansion in the gay village, where the Toronto
Compassion Centre opened its second branch on Tuesday, July 22.

"[We've managed] a synergy between a sterile clinic environment and a
homey feeling - exactly what you'd find in an alternative health
clinic," says Chad Cooke, membership director of the centre, which
facilitates access to med pot for 3,000 users, many of them with HIV
and AIDS.

Standing here in the foyer, I feel like we're on the set of Weeds. Is
that Mary-Louise Parker there behind the reception desk? Nope, that's
Willow, a staffer who calls out membership numbers - clients have to
present a diagnosing letter from their doctor - and leads folks to
counselling bays.

I'm 022, or the 22nd member, and excuse me if I'm at a loss for words.
It's just been such a long haul to get to this lovely place with its
high ceilings and ferns.

The centre was founded in 1997, and back then the terminally and
chronically ill of Gaytown were serviced by skateboarding co-founder
Warren Hitzig, who made personal deliveries.

In 2003, TCC was raided by police, but charges were dropped by the
federal Crown. Two other compassion clubs exist in the city, run by
other organizations.

Now, after police run-ins, landlord headaches and two
home-invasion-style break-ins, TCC - which generally operates very
transparently - protects the whereabouts of both its branches like the
Batcave.

"We have to be secretive," Cooke says, admitting it's unfortunate.
"That plays on some people's fears. They might be thinking, what is
really going on there?"

Outreach to politicos, he says, is ongoing.

Mayor David Miller and city council, please come on down and see what
the community is capable of building. We may need your support.