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As advocates of medicinal marijuana gathered for a protest in Ottawa, a
local activist could only send her support in spirit.

Debbie Stultz-Giffin was too sick to attend Mondays protest in person.

The 45-year-old suffers from multiple sclerosis, which often leaves her
exhausted. She has a Health Canada medical exemption to take marijuana
as medicine.

But Stultz-Giffin did have enough energy to vent her anger at a
federal system she said has forced her to break the law just to get
medicine to which shes legally entitled.

Marijuana gives me a quality of life, Stultz-Giffin said from her home in
Bridgetown, Annapolis Co. It controls my pain; it will stop spasms dead in
their tracks. Its just a wonderful medication for me.

Critics say Ottawa has made a mess of its medicinal marijuana program. They
claim its too hard to get a medical marijuana exemption, and its harder
still to get legal marijuana.

The protesters want to be represented on a federal advisory committee
that's trying to rewrite the rules for medicinal marijuana.

There are two people with medical exemptions on the committee, but
critics say they were randomly appointed by Health Canada, and dont have
a grasp on all the issues.

Four years ago, Stultz-Giffins husband, Cliff, was arrested for
growing marijuana in their home. He was convicted and given a $1,500 fine.

The couple said the pot was medication for Debbie, who smokes four grams
a day to cope with her MS.

That criminal conviction means hes unable to grow medicinal pot for his
wife, under the federal guidelines.

I have a criminal record, the 58-year-old artist said. I think its
ludicrous, that because I was convicted of growing this stuff, Im not
allowed to grow it for my ill wife.

Were not trying to sell this stuff on the side.

Buying pot illegally has proven unreliable and costly, running the
family nearly $200 a week, Stultz-Giffin said, adding that she is now
relying on truly compassionate people for her medication.

Protest organizer Philipe Lucas said the federal system needs a major
overhaul.

It wouldnt be right if your doctor said to you, You need penicillin, go
home and make it, Lucas said. For the same reason, this program has really
become a farce.