HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICINAL POT

Re: Pot Failure, letter to the editor, Feb. 26.

A spokesperson for Health Canada's Medicinal Marijuana Access Program
confirms that the delay in processing applications has recently
increased to an eight-to-10 week turnaround (assuming all documents
are properly filled out) -- due to a "surge" in application volume.
From a medical perspective, HC regulations for medicinal cannabis are
designed to be uncomplicated for doctors. The limiting issue in
helping patients gain access to affordable, effective and safe product
is getting more MDs to sign the forms.

If a patient finds that inhaled cannabis helps with a medical
condition (any medical condition), he should see his MD armed with: a
signed Canadian Medical Protective Association's liability form, a
Criminal Records Check, a urine drug screen and full addiction screen.
If the doctor refuses to fill out the form, he should be informed that
all provincial medical colleges mandate that doctors must then direct
patients to an MD who can provide that service. It's up to the doctor
to fill out the forms or find a doctor who will -- it shouldn't be the
patient's problem.

Dr. David Saul, Toronto