BUZZ FOUND WANTING IN GOVERNMENT GRASS

OTTAWA -- Some of the first patients smoking Health Canada's
government- approved marijuana say it's "disgusting" and want their
money back. "It's totally unsuitable for human consumption," said Jim
Wakeford, 58, an AIDS patient in Gibsons, B.C. "It gave me a slight
buzziness for about three to five minutes -- and that was it."

Barrie Dalley, 52, of Toronto, who uses marijuana to combat nausea
associated with AIDS, said the Health Canada dope actually made him
sick to his stomach.

Both are returning their 30-gram bags and Dalley wants his money back
- -- $150 plus taxes. Wakeford is returning his unpaid bill for two bags
with a letter of complaint.

They're among 10 patients registered with Health Canada to buy dope
directly from the government to ease medical symptoms. Another 39
applications are pending.

The department began direct distribution in July after an Ontario
court order. Ottawa is appealing.

The marijuana is being grown for Health Canada deep underground in a
vacant mine section in Flin Flon, Man., by Prairie Plant Systems on a
$5.75-million contract.

Government dope also came under fire yesterday from Canadians for Safe
Access, a patients' rights group pressing for safe, effective pot supplies.

Lab tests show Health Canada pot has about three per cent THC -- pot's
active ingredient -- not the 10.2 per cent advertised and contains
contaminants such as lead and arsenic, it said.