HEMP SUPPORTER GETS CANDIDATES TALKING

TRURO -- Running as a somewhat controversial independent in this
federal election, Rick Simpson usually doesn't have party platforms
and policies to tout during political debates.

That changed Tuesday when Mr. Simpson, who makes a marijuana-based
product he calls hemp oil (not hemp seed oil), got to discuss
alternative medicines during a live radio debate with other
candidates in Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

"I can't think of a more important issue in this country right now
than health care, and hemp will go so far to save so many people,"
Mr. Simpson of Maccan, Cumberland County, told listeners to Truro's
Cat Country 99.5 FM.

The candidate said he uses his "natural and non-addictive" oil to
treat people free of charge for a variety of ailments, particularly cancer.

"We have to stop these political parties from running away from this.
The medicine works. I have proof," he said, adding that he has
affidavits from patients and offers information on his website.

NDP candidate Margaret Sagar said Canada has a very fixed medical
model, and pharmaceutical companies have enormous influence with Ottawa.

"Cancer has become a multibillion dollar industry, unfortunately, and
I would like to see studies on alternatives."

Conservative candidate Bill Casey, a vocal opponent of Mr. Simpson's
ideas, said he's sure there is plenty of research being done on hemp
oil, and pharmaceutical companies would be analyzing it if there were
an opportunity to make a profit.

"I believe Mr. Simpson believes what he says," Mr. Casey said. "I
don't agree with him. I don't agree with him either that marijuana is
not addictive. I think it's addictive and it's dangerous."

On the other hand, Mr. Casey said, the beauty of Canada's political
system is that Mr. Simpson is able to present his case as part of a
federal election campaign.

Green party candidate Bruce Farrell said the issue involves thinking
outside the box and looking at cost-effective holistic medicines and
alternative treatments.

"Everyone knows what they're paying to the pharmaceutical companies," he said.

Liberal Gary Richard said if there is value in Mr. Simpson's remedy
then Health Canada, not pharmaceutical companies, should be studying
its merits "and not whether it can be profit-centred for any mega-corporation."

The 90-minute debate, the final one of at least four held in the
riding in the past couple of weeks, covered a variety of topics,
including immigration, pesticides, pensions, youth violence, social
programs, tax cuts and health care.