FEDS CHIDED FOR STALLING MEDICINAL POT SUPPORT

Local News - Federal politicians should be ashamed of themselves for not
allowing sick people to treat their illnesses because of political reasons,
says a Coldwater resident.

Scott Withers--who suffers from bi-polar disease, a neurological condition
that causes severe mood swings, manic depression, and panic attacks--is
angry that the government keeps stalling its plans to supply patients with
medical marijuana.

'This isn't a health issue, it's a political black-eye,' said Withers, who
blames strict American anti-drug laws on the government's reluctance to
support medicinal marijuana users.

'It's about political pressure. There is no good, logical or scientific
reason to not supply marijuana for medical users.'

Withers said smoking marijuana is beneficial for anyone who has a stress or
anxiety-related disease.

'It provides a tranquilizing affect,' said Withers, noting marijuana also
helps with appetite problems and chronic pain for sufferers of diseases
like AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

But now, because of a lack of government support, Withers said medicinal
users are being forced to make a decision.

'Break the law or take care of our health? It's not fair that they are
forcing us to have to make this decision,' said the man, who last year lost
a court battle for growing marijuana.

Withers said the courts would not accept his condition as a reason for
using marijuana because he had no scientific proof that he has the disease.

'It's not a condition that can be proven scientifically,' explained
Withers, noting his incurable condition has been assessed by several
specialists. But now--with a criminal record hanging over his
head--Withers's frustrations have really been brought to a head.

'I can't understand how it can be good enough for (the) Canada Pension Plan
but not for the courts,' said Withers, whose disease prevents him from working.

But even more so, Withers said he cannot figure out why the government
keeps stalling its plans to supply patients with medical marijuana.

'It's not heroine. It's no more harmful than tobacco. But the government
has no problem selling tobacco and making money off the taxes.'

And another local resident agrees that money has something to do with the
government's hesitation.

'They're afraid how it will affect big business. If people are allowed to
grow their own marijuana, pharmacies will lose money,' said Ron McInnes,
owner of the Pot Shop on Albert Street in Orillia.

But according to Health Minister Anne McClellan, the government has not
shelved its plan.

Instead, she told a news conference on Monday that the federal government
will implement the second stage starting this fall, when clinical testing
will begin on marijuana that someday could be distributed by the government