THE COMPASSION GOES UP IN SMOKE

Are pot dealers more compassionate than the federal government? Judge
for yourself. According to recent media reports Ottawa is charging
people approved for medical marijuana 15 times more than what it pays
its own supplier, a company that grows the crop at the bottom of an
abandoned Flin Flon, Man., underground mine.

Guess who is getting the shaft?

You have to wonder how your average neighbourhood dealer, facing much
thinner margins, can still earn enough from bulk sales to stay on
good terms with the local Mercedes or BMW dealership.

We're not blowing smoke rings here.

This is actually happening for many of the close to 2,000 Canadians
who are approved for medical marijuana.

Let's not forget patients' struggles aren't over once they get into
the program.

Since medical marijuana isn't a recognized drug private insurance
providers and government drug programs don't reimburse patients for
their expenses.

Many are facing extreme financial hardship because of this.

That's despite the fact growing numbers of health advocates argue
there is compelling evidence to show cannabis can improve appetite
and ease nausea, some of the devastating effects of chemotherapy.

They also say it can blunt disabling pain from injuries as well as
cancer and other illnesses.

It must be said the government still charges less for bulk deliveries
than someone who works outside the margins of the law.

But a 1,500 per cent markup is still outrageous by any measure.

Ottawa's excuse? According to national news reports Health Canada
officials say there are a number of costs associated with its
production and distribution.

But that's just more smoke.

The federal government needs to come clean with its compassionate
marijuana program before Canadians lose their faith in the system.

It would appear Ottawa is trying to extract maximum profits from
thousands of Canadians who are facing unimaginable pain and for whom
other forms of medical treatment seem to have little effect.

That, many critics argue, is unconscionable.

Ottawa should not be charging patients far more than costs the
government to order the medication from its own supplier.

Why should there even be a question of profits?

At the every least, once word gets out Ottawa is profiting at the
expense of the seriously ill and dying, pressure will only mount to
legalize cannabis.

And that pressure may become impossible to resist.