MS SUFFERER'S DISPUTE WITH ATCO THREATENS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

A central Alberta woman suffering from multiple sclerosis fears her
marijuana plants will die because her power was partially cut off.

Wanda Nelson, 42, of Erskine, received authorization from her family
physician in Stettler to grow and process medicinal marijuana about two
years ago.

Nelson grows 15 plants under bright bulbs as powerful as 1,000 watts. The
plants are regularly harvested and rolled into joints for smoking.

Nelson, who is bedridden, said the pot helps reduce her muscle spasms and
soothe discomforts caused by MS.

But the mother of two expects the plants to die because she and her husband
Jack had trouble paying their electricity bills and now owe $2,690.

Atco Electric placed a device on their mobile home last week to cut their
power to a trickle. It's enough power to run the furnace and refrigerator -
but not enough to switch on the high-power bulbs.

Nelson said she also can't operate her electric bed, forcing her to lie in
virtually the same position throughout the day.

Thankfully, she still has enough marijuana to last a few weeks.

"When I run out I will just thank God I have chemicals (medicine) to fall
back on," said Nelson, who receives help from Assured Income for Severely
Handicapped (AISH) to pay for her medication.

Her husband lost his trucking job late last year and struggles to make ends
meet at a $12-an-hour job at a farm supply outlet. He said he couldn't keep
on top of the power bills which totalled $120 a month or more.

The Nelsons said they offered to pay Atco $1,000 this month and $500 a
month thereafter, but said Atco wanted the entire amount.

Atco Electric regional manager Nick Gelych said he can't speak specifically
about the Nelson case because of confidentiality rules. But he said the
company recognizes customers face circumstances making it difficult to pay
bills.

"We do our best to work with customers and allow them to make their
payment," he said.

The placing of a limiting device on someone's home is the last resort after
several steps and attempts to set up alternate payment plans, he said.
Gelych said the limiting device is sometimes placed on a home after the
customer fails to live up to promises made in an alternate payment plan.

"Our number one priority is to work with these customers and make special
arrangements."

But the Nelsons said they've received no mercy.

"I'm stressed to the max. We stand to lose $5,000 worth of plants," said Wanda.

The plants have been placed near a window in hopes natural sunlight will
help them survive.