CALGARY COMPASSION CENTRE LOBBYING FOR SAFE CANNABIS SUPPLY

A Calgary group fighting for access to a clean, safe supply of cannabis is
stepping up its awareness campaign.

The UniversaL Compassion Centre, a registered non-profit society in Calgary
that represents people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes, is holding
a festival this Saturday to celebrate the healing properties of the cannabis
plant and to raise money for the UCC.

President Debra Harper says the group was started more than a year ago
because the quality of marijuana available on the street was unacceptable.

"How can people use it for medicine?" she asked.

The local group networked with the Vancouver Compassion Club and
collaborated with Grant Krieger, the well-known Calgarian who is currently
challenging existing legislation through the court system. The UCC now has
about 40 members, and expects the number to grow.

Harper says now is the perfect time to draw attention to the issue and fight
for change - on August 1, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the fact a
man had no access to medicinal cannabis was an infringement of his rights.

"The government has a year to do something about this." she adds.

She hopes the government will decide to legalize the distribution of
marijuana for medicinal purposes. She explains that currently, with a
Section 56 exemption, a person is legally allowed to grow and possess, but
it is still illegal for them to sell it or buy it from others.

The centre helps people apply for the exemption, as well as providing
information on illnesses that can benefit from using marijuana, the
available options and alternatives, how to gain safe access, and more. It is
also acting as a lobby group, and recently attended a public meeting on the
federal government's planned regulations for natural health products.

"We're a healing centre, but we're also a voice for them as well -
basically, their rights are being infringed up (sic)," Harper says. "We're
starting to become more outspoken, for sure."

The Healing Herb Festival will be held on Saturday, September 2 from noon to
11 p.m. at the Rosemont Community Centre (2807 10 St. N.W.) and includes
information, guest speakers, live music by DJs and bands, belly dancing,
massage and aroma therapy, Mendhi and face painting, an art room and more.
Tickets are being sole in advance at Hemporium, Grassroots, Sweetleaf Hemp
Co. and Will's Hempire, or, if available, at the door.