PROTECTION URGED FOR MEDICINAL POT SUPPLIERS

An Ontario man dying of AIDS says there's no point giving him the right to
use marijuana unless he has access to a safe supply.

And until the government ensures that access, his caregivers should have
the right to supply him with pot without fear of prosecution, Jim
Wakeford's lawyer told the Ontario Court of Appeal on Friday.

"We've asked the court to order the government to take all necessary steps
to establish a supply and, in the interim, exempt his caregivers so he can
still acquire assistance," said Alan Young.

"The ultimate goal is that Canada will supply (marijuana) to sick people,
but we have to go in increments," said Young, who accused Ottawa of playing
a "cat-and-mouse game" with the issue.

Wakeford, 56, has already won his constitutional arguments that he has the
right to possess and grow marijuana to help him cope with the symptoms of
advanced AIDS and the side effects of other drugs he needs.

But he says obstacles to obtaining his supply infringe on his
constitutional rights. Two people who helped him get marijuana have been
prosecuted, he noted.

"Anyone who helps me is liable to prosecution," Wakeford said, during a
break in the proceedings as supporters smoked joints outside.

"That sucks and that's got to change."

Even though Wakeford has had little difficulty finding the drug, there are
still substantial impediments to accessing the pot, Young told the three
justices.

"You cannot really expect sick people to become indoor farmers," said Young.

"He needs the assistance of caregivers (but) he can't simply ask a friend
to get marijuana for him."