'CANNABIS CONVENTION' AIMS TO EDUCATE ABOUT MEDICINAL POT

Advocates Say the Federal Government Needs to Make Access Easier for
Sick People

Mik Mann believes everybody who thinks they need marijuana to help
their medical conditions should apply to Health Canada to get a
permit to grow pot legally. Mann, who lives in Port Alberni, was one
of the speakers at the first-ever Vancouver Island University
Hempology 101 "Cannabis Convention" on Sunday afternoon.

The event, which attracted about 200 people, served as an information
session about medical marijuana.

Mann is afflicted with spinal arthritis and has been a licensed
medical marijuana grower and user since 2004.

"Medical pot is legal in this country and I've no reason to hide the
fact that I'm using it," Mann said when asked what the Port Alberni
RCMP think about him growing cannabis at his home.

"When I first got my licence to grow pot, I called the cops and told
them that I'm growing it so please don't come and kick my door down."

The former Marijuana Party federal candidate said Health Canada makes
it difficult for people to get a licence to grow medicinal marijuana.

"Health Canada is not up to speed with how much pot can help people."

Mann admits he used pot illegally before receiving his licence.

"The pain I had went away after a few puffs on a joint so as soon as
I heard it was going to become legal for people in medical need, I applied."

Because Health Canada is slow to approve licences to grow medicinal
marijuana, Mann said people should "swamp them" with applications.

"We need to embarrass them into doing what's right and using
marijuana for medical reasons is legal," he said.

Another licensed marijuana grower who attended the conference Sunday
said cannabis has helped him immensely.

The Lantzville resident suffers from the neuro-immune disorder
myalgic encephalomyelitis.

He did not want his name used in this story for security concerns.

The Lantzville resident said he was bed-ridden and had tried 30
prescribed medications before trying pot.

"They all had serious side-effects and then I discovered just one
puff of marijuana helped me get out of bed and walk around a little;
I could go to the bathroom," he said.