MARTIN SPEAKS OUT ON MARIJUANA

MP Dr. Keith Martin reintroduces Private Members Bill to decriminalize
the simple possession of marijuana.

Dr. Keith Martin reintroduced his Private Members Bill in the House of
Commons on Friday which would amend the Controlled Substance Act to
decriminalize a set amount of marijuana being carried on a person or
located in someone's residence.

A recent media investigation showed that Health Canada charges
terminally/chronically ill patients up to 1500 per cent above market
price for medicinal marijuana grown at their facility in Flin Flon.
This is an outrageous abuse of the sick.

"The Government is on one hand wasting police and court resources to
pursue small-time offenders, while on the other, criminally
overcharging cancer and chronically ill patients for medicinal
marijuana. This Private Members Bill will establish guidelines and
limits for possession on the individual. It will enable resources to
be redirected to prevention (especially for children), treatment and
rehabilitation services. I hope this bill will push the government to
establish a national strategy to address illegal drug use," said Dr.
Martin.

Dr. Keith Martin will stand in the House of Commons on April 20 after
Question Period 1200hr EST and introduce his Bill for First Reading.

The text of the Bill can be found on the order paper section of the
parl.gc.ca website or can be obtained from the office of Dr. Keith
Martin (613) 996-8092.